From extreme mental confusion I was led to the study of...

Katharine M. Archibald

From extreme mental confusion I was led to the study of Christian Science. From early childhood I had been deeply religious and patriotic; but the injustice which was uncovered while I was working for social reforms, and the incomprehensible struggle of the World War, destroyed my faith in both God's government and that of men. The only way out, as I came to see it, was for men to fight for better social conditions in a class struggle of the underprivileged against their exploiters. This break with all that I had believed in, filled me with despair. I could only pray to God as Truth that I might know the solution of the engima of the universe. Out of the darkness there shone one ray of light—Christian Science. The fact of its being founded on the teachings and healings of Jesus, and the example of Christian Scientists whom I had met, appealed to me, and the need of a provable God led me, in 1918, to buy the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and begin its study in connection with the Bible.

For a number of years I tried to do two things, study Science and reform the world through an intense "radical" struggle. Naturally it was a period of confusion and wrestling with doubt. But through continued study I came to see that the universe is spiritual, not material, and that in the oneness and perfection of this universe there can be no classes, only universal love. I am grateful for the tolerance and love of the Christian Scientists who helped me through this period.

Many physical healings experienced during this time and in the years which have followed, have given me profound joy, not alone for the physical relief obtained, but because they have been proofs of the availability of God's power for myself, and to give to a doubting world.

There were two outstanding physical healings during the early years. One was of fainting, which had troubled me since childhood; the other was of chronic constipation. Chronic gastritis and a serious heart condition were slower in yielding. But they have been definitely healed, and with them a fear of death. These healings were like a slow moving picture, in that they enabled me to learn more of the process of healing and so gain a better understanding of God.

Our young daughter has grown up in Christian Science, and it has successfully met her every need. My husband, through the faithful study of Christian Science, has been marvelously regenerated. Unhappy relations in the home have been healed, and conditions of discord, poverty, and despair have given way to freedom, harmony, and an abundance of good.

The result of it all has been of immeasurably more value than the struggle; and I am grateful for every night of striving which proved for me the presence of God. What was once an enigma has been solved for me. Christian Science teaches that we now live in eternity; and having experienced the blessings this assurance brings, I have perfect trust in the unseen.

I realize that the world's unrest, its doubts and unbelief, and its extreme measures for meeting its difficulties are, as in my early experience, only a seeking for the harmony and true security which Christian Science provides. Today, with all Christian Scientists, I am striving to help the world through the prayer of understanding and the application of Science to its needs. This Science I see as the Comforter, revealed to Mrs. Eddy, which reinstates the healing method of Jesus, and which he promised would "bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."—(Mrs.)Katharine M. Archibald, Seattle, Washington.

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Testimony of Healing

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