Four years ago I began the study of Christian Science,...

Virginia M. Pritchard

Four years ago I began the study of Christian Science, after having been constantly under medical treatment for nine years. I had undergone three surgical operations at different times during these years, the last one for gall-stones. Then I gradually grew worse, and became so frail that the attending physician forbade any attempt to sit, stand, or walk. The doctor who was treating me at this time called in a very prominent surgeon to diagnose the case for him, as he had been treating me for Bright's disease without any success whatever; in fact I seemingly was growing weaker all the time.

The diagnosis was gall-stones, and an immediate operation was declared necessary. On being told that I attributed my present condition to just such an operation, when it was claimed that the gall-bladder had been removed, the surgeon became very thoughtful, and finally said the gall-bladder had not been removed, that gall-stones were in the ducts, and that the operation had been but partial. The surgeon had become frightened and quit when he found the gall-stones in the ducts. I decided that the operation would have to remain but partial, as I would never submit to another one.

At this refusal both doctor and surgeon left me without care, except what a nurse could give. Some days passed in this condition, when a friend prevailed upon me to try her doctor. After much quizzing and examining this doctor said I was nearly dead from theories and medicine, so he gave me no medicine whatever, but used all the means known to him to cleanse the system of poisons. In six weeks' time I could walk in my bedroom. The doctor then told my husband to get me out of this climate; that I would die if I stayed here, and might do so on the way to the Pacific coast, though to the sea-level I must go. I went, and after remaining there eight months, came back very little improved in health.

One day, while sitting on the porch, a neighbor brought me Mrs. Eddy's works, all except her latest book. This gentleman is not a Scientist, but he has a partner in business who is a good Scientist and who gave the books to him. I mention this as a proof of how Love does its work. After much reading, and with more right thinking than reading, I began to understand. The first lines in the chapter on Prayer in Science and Health (p. 1) seemed to show me that I would be healed by this prayer and faith: "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God."

While the understanding came slowly, it has been a constant source of inspiration, unfolding to me the relation of God to His spiritual creation, and showing me that divine Love is an ever-present help. The constant reading of Science and Health has taught me to trust a higher power than the man-made laws or material medicine on which I had depended for years. It has given to me a God I can reach through the demonstration of His truth and find relief,—relief not only from pain, but from the fetters that had bound me as only sin can bind.

I have been healed of a hasty temper, an unforgiving disposition, and resentment with all vexatious problems of life. As I have progressed in the demonstration of this new-old religion the way of life has become brighter, for it has shown me how to forgive a wrong which at the time it was done it seemed impossible to forgive. I did not want to forgive it, and even said God would not ask any one to forgive such an offense. Christian Science teaching has so filled my heart with love that hatred, wrongs, and fears are all forgotten.

I am very grateful to Mrs. Eddy, our Leader, who has done so much for the betterment of mankind.

Virginia M. Pritchard, Wilmette, Ill.

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