Before I knew of Christian Science,...

Lucie Clerc

Before I knew of Christian Science, I used to wonder why the Scriptures so often say, "Praise ye the Lord." Now I understand that giving thanks to God is not something which He requires for His own sake, but an attitude that is highly beneficial to us: a grateful heart is receptive and receives the divine blessings more abundantly.

Since a testimony of mine was published in 1925, I have had many other proofs of the redeeming power of Christ, as revealed in Christian Science, so that a renewed expression of gratitude seems normal.

On the whole my health has been much better since the study of Christian Science, continued through the years, showed me that God is the great Physician and that we may always appeal to His power. Also my work as a teacher in high school became more purposeful, interesting, and profitable. Both at home and among colleagues, the improvement in strength, in disposition, and in poise was commented upon and attributed to Christian Science. Several healings were quick or instantaneous, notably in cases of accident, of pneumonia, of food poisoning, and of minor ailments.

Two problems, however, were not solved rapidly. One of them was physical—an internal trouble which sometimes caused a great deal of pain. Never was I tempted to have it diagnosed or to resort to medical treatment. It seldom kept me in bed, but it compelled me to study more earnestly and to get a firmer grasp of the healing, redemptive Christ.

The kindness of two friends who at that time invited me to stay with them, the occasional help of devoted practitioners, the progress along the narrow way leading to harmony, these are all gratefully remembered. As Mrs. Eddy says in her Message to The Mother Church for 1902 (p. 19), "There is no redundant drop inthe cup that our Father permits us." Many years ago the alarming symptoms finally disappeared.

The other problem concerned some relatives whom I dearly loved, but who seemed to be swayed by an adverse influence, so that for a time I was no longer welcome in their home. In this case the article "Love Your Enemies" by our Leader was very helpful. It is found on pages 8 to 13 of her "Miscellaneous Writings" and contains this statement: "Simply count your enemy to be that which defiles, defaces, and dethrones the Christ-image that you should reflect." The article was read, pondered, clung to, and eventually the spell was broken; the bad dream ceased, and no sad memories remained.

The privilege of working for years in The Christian Science Publishing House in Boston, Massachusetts, of taking an active part in branch church work, and of meeting with consecrated workers in our Cause at home and abroad is deeply appreciated. Every new experience proved to be a call to go up higher. In Christian Science, we never cease to learn.

The matchless career of Christ Jesus, the faithfulness with which our beloved Leader accomplished her mission, and, above all, the measureless love of our Father-Mother God bring day by day much gratitude and joy. Yes, let us praise the Lord, "for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" (Ps. 106:1).—(Miss) Lucie Clerc, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.

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October 19, 1963

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