For some time I have had a desire to voice my gratitude...

Florence Edith Copestake

For some time I have had a desire to voice my gratitude for the wonderful help I have received from Christian Science. Words alone cannot express my gratitude for God's wondrous goodness to me.

Many times I had been at the point of complete desperation with depression caused by the use of alcohol. My home life was not too happy, and at times, when depressed, I gave way to the desire for alcohol, which always depressed me more; but somehow I could not give it up except for short periods. The little bit of happiness I thought I got out of it lasted only for a few moments, and the intense mental suffering it caused afterwards was too dreadful to write about. Death seemed preferable to such an existence. I tried hard in my way, but could not get any real happiness in life, owing to these desperate conditions.

I have been a student of Christian Science for about four years, and know now that certainly I was divinely led. I read in the daily paper an announcement of a Christian Science lecture to be given on a Sunday afternoon and thought I would go. I knew nothing about this religion, nor of anyone who did. On my way to the lecture a thunderstorm came on and I turned back; but after I had been home for a few minutes something told me to go, so I did. The hall was very full. I met a friend there who asked me if I should like to go to church sometime. My first impression was that Christian Science was a good thing for comfort of mind and that I would go with this friend, but I never thought of the alcohol.

I enjoyed the church services, and on reading a Christian Science Sentinel I found that someone had been healed of a case similar to mine. I was very ill, so I telephoned to a Christian Science practitioner and made an appointment to see her. I have never forgotten the practitioner's words over the telephone, "You know there is freedom for all." After my first visit I felt much happier. I read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, also other Christian Science literature; and on my second visit to the practitioner I was told that I should be able to look back on my experiences as a bad dream. I commenced to feel and to know that I was leaning on God; and also the desire for the alcohol was not so prominent. In less than two months from the first visit to the practitioner I was completely healed of the slightest desire for it, after years of torment. I think more and more of those words, "There is freedom for all."

My whole outlook on life is different, and best of all I want to live. I know that I have been lifted out of the very depths of misery as regards mental depression. I have also been healed of cigarette smoking, which left me as a result of my study. When I tried to overcome this habit with willpower I could not do it, but with Science the desire simply faded away.

I am gradually overcoming fear and worry, and know now that I have something on which to lean in all difficulties and trials. I am grateful to Christian Science for the way it teaches us to pray, and for the knowledge that wherever we are God is ever present to help us if we will only avail ourselves of His help.—(Miss)Florence Edith Copestake, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England.

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