Gratitude for the complete change Christian Science has...

Samuel H. Deirks

Gratitude for the complete change Christian Science has made in my life impels me to give this testimony. I was told of this healing truth by a dear friend, and was led to ask for its help through a desire to be rid of the drink habit. It was not until the usual methods of escape had all been tried that I realized drink had become my master, and during the last miserable three years of this bondage the time was about equally divided between the indulgence of the habit and the suffering occasioned by trying to conquer it. Indeed, I had come to the point where suicide seemed the only way out of the difficulty. Then Christian Science was offered as a means of relief.

I was intoxicated the night I went for the first Christian Science treatment, but in about half an hour I left the practitioner's house sober, and with a sense of freedom and peace never known before. I was able to ride my bicycle and not afraid to pass through the shadows cast across the path, whereas in making my way to the practitioner it was about all I could do to lead the wheel, and I was afraid to step on a shadow before trying to see what it might be. Within the next two days' treatment I realized that I was healed. Only those who have been or are slaves to the liquor habit can understand what this healing meant to me. There was no feeling of missing something, no awful void, as when trying to leave off through will-power, because the place that drink had taken was filled with the satisfying joy of knowing that God's man does have dominion and is not a slave.

I had also used tobacco in about all the ways it is used, learning to smoke while at school, and up to the time of finding Christian Science I often got up in the night to smoke. I cannot recollect when freedom from this enslavement came about, but as my understanding of Science increased, I simply forgot to use the weed. Moreover, Christian Science treatment was the beginning of a spiritual education, and I have been raised out of the darkness of ignorance and suffering into the glorious light of spiritual knowledge and harmony. Every good thing that has come to me, everything worth while, dates from my first healing in Christian Science. Freed from the old bondage, living gradually became a pleasure instead of a round of wearying tasks, while courage and confidence began to take the place of fear and doubt.

I am a business man, and after learning of Christian Science I began to experience peace of mind, and had strength to handle the daily problems calmly, because I was realizing that my strength is in God. In other words, I began to take God into partnership with me. When my associates learned that I was trying to live according to the teachings of Christian Science, they freely predicted a speedy end to my business career, as there is a general belief that methods of sharp practice and dishonest advantage are necessary for success in my line of work. My business has, however, increased greatly, financial conditions being better than ever before. I enjoy the confidence of all with whom I have dealings, and that greatest asset of all, the peace of mind which comes from trying to think rightly. Christian Science appeals to the business man because he can apply it practically to his everyday needs. Considering it just from the view-point of an element to success, I would rather start with a working knowledge of Christian Science and no capital, than a good-sized bank account without Christian Science.

I was healed by Christian Science of an ailment for which doctors said nothing could be done. The sickness was of some weeks' duration and was said to be a complication of troubles. In fact, I had to learn to walk again, as though I had never taken my first step. I have had a number of other experiences which fully proved that Christian Science does heal. A severe chill disappeared in about two hours, and several minor physical ills have been quickly overcome. One day, while crossing a street on which traffic is supposed to be restricted during market hours, I was struck by a motorcycle and thrown from the middle of the street to the curbing. On becoming conscious of my surroundings I found myself repeating aloud "the scientific statement of being" (Science and Health, p. 468). I persuaded the people who picked me up not to call the ambulance, and in a few moments I was able to walk away and attend to business. Except for some damage to my clothing I suffered little inconvenience. The machine was badly wrecked and the rider's clothing torn, but with the exception of a few slight cuts and bruises he was not hurt. I was grateful for the ability to attend to business so soon after the accident, but more especially thankful that while treating myself in Science I did not feel any resentment toward the offending person, although the bystanders were insisting on his arrest.

I am beginning to learn what Mrs. Eddy means when she declares that "divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494), and I know that Christian Science will teach those of "willing mind" how to prove this.—Samuel H. Deirks, Denver, Col.

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