When the subject of Christian Science was presented to...

Erling Ansteensen

When the subject of Christian Science was presented to me by a friend, a number of years ago, I was searching for something more satisfying than could be found in the ordinary religious teachings, although I had up to that time taken little interest in religion, as it all seemed so incomprehensible to me. At the same time I had never lost my childhood faith in God, brought up as I had been by good, God-fearing parents, to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude.

The friend who told me of Christian Science, and who had not been in good health for a long time, had been completely healed through the aid of a Christian Science practitioner; and I was much impressed by what he told me. He lent me the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and I soon became convinced that it contained the truth referred to in these words of the Master: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

I did not, however, take up the study of Christian Science in earnest until after experiencing a physical healing some months later. It was a case of a badly inflamed toe, which had been injured some years previously, causing much discomfort. The trouble had been alleviated by material remedies, but without permanent healing being effected. Some time after I heard of Christian Science it reappeared for the third time, worse than ever, making walking extremely difficult. I realized that now was the opportunity to test the efficacy of Christian Science; and as my knowledge of the subject was so slight, I asked help of a practitioner. In a short time the trouble vanished completely, and has never reappeared.

I have had many other physical healings since that time. A violent attack of toothache was overcome in a very short time; and I completely recovered from a severe illness of an internal nature in a few days. In both cases I was restored by the loving help of practitioners, as I was unable to help myself, the pain being so intense. I am indeed most grateful to the practitioners who have at various times so promptly and lovingly come to my aid.

While my gratitude for these and other healings is very great, the physical relief is as nothing compared to the priceless knowledge of God gained through the study of Christian Science, the understanding of the spiritual nature of God's perfect creation, and of man's relationship to God as His spiritual image and likeness. This knowledge has healed and is healing me of many faults of character, and is invaluable in the carrying on of my business, since we find in Christian Science that the true knowledge of God not only heals us physically, but solves all our problems, of whatever nature, making us more efficient in every way. This has been my experience; and although I have yet much to overcome, I know that I shall be the victor in proportion to my faithfulness to the teachings of Christian Science, God's message to this age.

I am realizing more and more the great work accomplished by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, and what a great debt of gratitude we owe her who through her purity of thought was enabled to be the revelator of, and to make plain to this age, the divine Principle and law underlying our Master's words and marvelous works, thus enabling us to obey his commandments. I am indeed most grateful to God, the Giver of all good, for having led me to Christian Science, and for all the blessings which have thereby come into my life.

Erling Ansteensen, Glasgow, Scotland.

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