My first acquaintance with Christian Science came about in...

Clara P. Hamill

My first acquaintance with Christian Science came about in letting furnished rooms eleven years ago in St. Louis, Mo. Among the applicants were a couple who appealed to me very much, although they had a child, which was an objection, as stated in the notice; still I preferred them to others who were looking at the rooms. They wore such bright and pleasing countenances, their conversation and manner were so different from what I had been accustomed to, that I was pleased with the thought of having them in my home. The day they took possession I was called out on a case of nursing, and was gone about three weeks. On my return a neighbor met me and said in a very agitated manner, "Do you know whom you have got in your house?" She then told me that these people were Christian Scientists, which she thought terrible; and I, too, at the time, felt very much disturbed about it, as our minister often warned us against Christian Science. I said, however, that I must make the best of it since they were in my house, but I becided to watch them; and in so doing I soon discovered wherein I was wanting. Daily these people read the Scriptures; they were always healthy and happy, never had any strife or trouble, were strictly honest in their dealings. I could see nothing but good in them and thought they must have a beautiful religion.

I became interested in their literature and accepted an invitation to attend their church on a Sunday morning. This experience I shall never forget. An inspiration came to me, such as I had not experienced before, though I had been a church-member for nineteen years. I was convinced that this was truly of God. My deepest longing was satisfied. I wanted to know what it was that brought such happiness to me, so then and there I procured a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the reading-room being in the same building. This book I read eagerly day and night, and what I comprehended appealed to me as beautiful and wonderful. I often had to stop reading,—the tears blinded me. Here for the first time I realized that God is Spirit, and they who worship Him, must worship "in spirit, and in truth."

In Science and Health I read, "To be 'with the Lord' is to be in obedience to the law of God, to be absolutely governed by divine Love,—by Spirit, not by matter" (p. 14,) and this explained Eliphaz' counsel to Job, "Acquaint now thyself with him [God], and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee."

Just two weeks after this small understanding, divine Love was manifested to me in the healing of my son, who had been subject to throat trouble from the time he was a little child up to the age of twenty-two years. He had been operated upon by physicians, but with no relief; indeed, he was getting worse. He was out of the city at the time of his last attack, and came home, looking very pale and scarcely able to speak, but thought I might help him with material means. It surprised him to find me interested in Christian Science, and he could not see how it would help him. I explained Christian Science to him somewhat and the Scientist in my home also gave him a prayerful thought. As a result he began to improve right away, and ate a hearty meal, which astonished him, as liquid food was all he could take before. The next day a healthful color had returned and he was whistling and singing. Words can never express the joy I experienced at this healing. I praised God for His unspeakable gift, whereby only we can prove "what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

This proof follows me in the sick-room, even under materia medica, for "where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." I cannot tell the many blessings that have come to me during these eleven years through the spiritual understanding gained in Christian Science, but I am very, very grateful for having been led to understand the Bible in its spiritual light, for thus the "sings" do follow. This pure and true knowledge of God has been attained by me through the inspired teaching of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy.

Clara P. Hamill, Prairie Grove, Ark.

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