Christian Science was presented...

James E. Clendennen

Christian Science was presented to me after my discharge from the Army following World War II. At the time, I was having the very unpleasant experience of making an adjustment to civilian life. Much resentment was harbored in my thought, and an ulcer of the stomach was robbing me of activity and enjoyment to which I felt I was entitled. Materia medica, together with very strict diets to which I closely adhered, failed to bring comfort or relief.

At that time I was working for the government, and the chief of the section to which I was assigned asked me very kindly one day if I had ever heard of Christian Science. He explained that its healing power was being demonstrated daily through its application.

I told my friend that I would be most happy to learn more of this religion and its healings, since I had had no relief after a year or more of dependence on medicine. That evening he took me to a Christian Science practitioner.

After my second visit to the practitioner, I discarded all medicine and ate food which, prior to the introduction to this Science, had been carefully and strictly avoided. My healing soon followed.

Although the seed of Truth had been planted at the time of the healing, progress in the beginning of my study was very slow, for there were many false traits of character and much false thinking to be corrected. On several occasions, when I was unable to understand the reading from the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, I would toss the book across the room and declare that I would never open it again. However, there was no peace of mind until the study was lovingly resumed.

I found that an expression of gratitude for each bit of understanding was the steppingstone to a clearer realization of Truth. I was sure that this was the religion I had been seeking since early manhood; however, I was very much concerned because there were far too many worldly things I had to give up in order to become an active Christian Scientist.

At first, I felt that I could never join The Mother Church, because I could never be healed of smoking. Also, I was reluctant to give up social drinking, because I felt if I did so, I would lose my friends.

Further study enlightened my reasoning, and this statement in Science and Health aroused me (p. 492): "Being is holiness, harmony, immortality. It is already proved that a knowledge of this, even in small degree, will uplift the physical and moral standard of mortals, will increase longevity, will purify and elevate character."

During a conversation with a friend, the power of Truth was realized, and the false claims of smoking and drinking were dropped without asking for specific help. The use of profane language was also overcome in much the same manner, and friends have multiplied.

The activities within the branch Church of Christ, Scientist, of which I am a member have kept me busy, and there has never been any idle time, nor has there been a question of what to do.

For God's never-failing love for His creation, for the example of our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, for the incessant labor of our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, and for the beautiful experience of class instruction, my gratitude is immeasurable.—James E. Clendennen, St. Petersburg, Florida.

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For fifteen years I suffered from...

November 21, 1959

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