I wish to express my gratitude for Christian Science, the only...

I wish to express my gratitude for Christian Science, the only true and practical way of Life for me.

About twenty years ago I was introduced to Christian Science through my future mother-in-law. She told me of her sister's healing of a severe case of arthritis. She also told me of different aspects of this religion that were new and wonderful to me. I began to read parts of the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and also the Sentinel. I did not understand much of what I read in the textbook, but the testimonies in the Sentinel were like miracles to me.

After my marriage the textbook and Christian Science literature were in the home, but there seemed to be no time for reading. However, I felt that Christian Science did heal; and in time of need concerning the family, I would call on a faithful practitioner for help.

In one instance our year-old son sustained a deep gash just above the eyebrow. The bleeding was quite severe, and I became very fearful. I called the practitioner. She assured me of God's supremacy and explained that all was well under His government. She instructed me to cover the cut and hold the boy in my arms. I did this, and in no time the boy fell asleep. He slept peacefully, as he did that night, and he never voiced any discomfort after that. Several days later the cut had healed. This was one of the first healings that proved to me that God is indeed an ever-present help.

A true testing time came to me when I was experiencing what seemed unbearable pain and weakness. I could not take care of myself or the family. My husband kindly asked whether I would like Christian Science treatment or the aid of a doctor. This aroused my thought, and I firmly replied that I wanted a practitioner to start treatment. This work was begun, and the next day I held thoughtfully to "the scientific statement of being," found on page 468 in Science and Health. I tried to realize that, as the statement tells us, "all is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." Each day after that I gained strength, and within a week I was taking part in household activities.

After this healing I knew that there would be nothing for me but living according to the teachings of Christian Science. I began studying the Christian Science Quarterly Lesson-Sermons regularly, and our children were enrolled in the Sunday School soon after. It was at this point that I became a member of The Mother Church.

Spiritual unfoldment was slow, but I was persistent because I felt there was something wonderful to be gained by studying the lessons. After a time I felt the need for support in regard to home and family. I requested the help of a practitioner, who guided me through the valley into the understanding of harmonious spiritual relationships. This was a rewarding lesson for me because there was much strength and spiritual growth gained as false beliefs of fear, resentment, and self-will were replaced with love, kindness, and humility. I truly learned to love my neighbor as myself. As a result our home is filled with a greater degree of peace, love, and harmony.

I am deeply grateful to God for Christ Jesus; for Christian Science, the religion of Love; and for Mrs. Eddy, who gave us this practical religion to be utilized in our daily affairs. I am grateful for membership in The Mother Church, for membership and activity in a branch church, and also for class instruction.

I am also appreciative of the untiring work of the practitioners, who are ready to give unselfishly of their understanding the instant they are called upon. In expressing gratitude, I cannot forget the Christian Science periodicals, which are a great source of enlightenment and inspiration.

My hope and prayer each day are well expressed in Mrs. Eddy's book The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany where she writes (p. 174 ), "Each day I know Him nearer, love Him more, and humbly pray to serve Him better."

(Mrs.) Alice F. Purdy, Muskego, Wisconsin