Let the redeemed of the Lord...

James Walsh

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so" (Ps. 107:2). Many years ago at a time of great need, Christian Science was recommended to me by a complete stranger whom I had never seen before and who said that he himself was not a Christian Scientist.

I did not investigate this religion immediately. However, several months after my conversation with the stranger, while looking at some books in a public library, I came upon the textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Realizing that it was the one mentioned by the stranger, I borrowed the book from the library, took it home, and started to read it.

Because the drinking habit had been with me for many years, I was much impressed by the statement in the textbook (p. 6): "To cause suffering as the result of sin, is the means of destroying sin. Every supposed pleasure in sin will furnish more than its equivalent of pain, until belief in material life and sin is destroyed."

I realized that I had no moral right to cause suffering to others, including those who were interested in my welfare, and the suffering I had caused them and myself was very sharp in my memory. The drinking habit was instantaneously overcome, and it has never returned.

I continued the study of Christian Science because I realized that if the reading of a book could destroy a condition that had held me in bondage for many years, the book must have a divine origin, which indeed it has.

During the period following my first healing a severe intestinal condition known as a duodenal ulcer was healed through the work of a consecrated practitioner. Previous to becoming interested in Christian Science, I had been operated on for this difficulty, but it returned with very severe symptoms. After Christian Science treatment of less than a week the condition cleared up entirely, and it has never returned.

I was also healed of a stiff knee, the aftermath of a fractured leg. This healing took place at a church service. I entered the church with a decided limp, but walked out normally, to the amazement of a friend who was with me and who was not a Christian Scientist. Another healing was that of chronic constipation of many years' standing, for which I had taken medicine almost daily previous to my interest in Christian Science.

After more study and also with the kind help of a practitioner I was healed of the smoking habit, which I had had for many years. This healing came when I realized that my greatest desire was to be free of the habit. Very soon afterward I applied for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church and was accepted in both.

It is difficult to put into words my gratitude for these healings. They have given me a deep reverence for the master Christian, Christ Jesus, and for Mrs. Eddy, who by her steadfastness, courage, and purity made it possible for us to follow the master's example. The magnitude of her life's work and her stupendous achievements defy description.

In the Preface to Science and health we read (p. vii): "A book introduces new thoughts, but itcannot make them speedily understood. It is the task of the sturdy pioneer to hew the tall oak and to cut the rough granite. Future ages must declare what the pioneer has accomplished."—James Walsh, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

The experience that I shall relate...

May 3, 1958

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit