Gratitude moves me to express in words, be they ever so...

Sidney Everett

Gratitude moves me to express in words, be they ever so inadequate, the untold joy and happiness that have come to me through the study and application of Christian Science.

When Christian Science was first brought to my notice, I was an atheist—selfish, bitter, and at times unscrupulous in my dealings with my fellow men. In my ignorance I had condemned Christian Science, along with every known religion, as delusive and fanatical. I did not realize that the one most deluded was myself. I had friends interested in Christian Science whose beliefs I mocked, yet whom I grudgingly admired for their calm faith and trust.

My employer at that time was interested in Christian Science, and I thought it would be good policy if I simulated interest. I accordingly made inquiries, purchased the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and a Bible, and commenced to read the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly. From that day on I found I was unable to stop reading the textbook. The words were at times barely intelligible to me, but the power of the Word held me to the straight and narrow way.

I had been reading the textbook for only a short time, when I was taken to a sphere of activity far removed from my family and friends. Here I was brought face to face with problems which previously I had run away from. All this time I was drinking and smoking heavily. But divine Love was my stay and my staff, and, one by one, atheism, drinking, smoking, criticism, hate, envy, intolerance, and many other evils vanished as mist before the rising sun.

Words are inadequate fully to express my gratitude for the loving help of friends and of a practitioner, as I have been gently led along the way that leads from sense to Soul. I have been able, in a degree, to demonstrate the unreality of matter and the allness of God, good, in my home and in my work. I can truthfully say that without the strength, courage, support, and protection that Christian Science gives to every honest seeker for Truth, I could never have accomplished my work during the past four years. I am now striving to prove my gratitude by good works. May those apparently deep in the slough of despond take heart, renew the fight, and press on to victory! Divine Love liberates, and right desire brings us immediately under Love's power, protection, and guidance. Our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, tells us on page 566 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "As the children of Israel were guided triumphantly through the Red Sea, the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear,—as they were led through the wilderness, walking wearily through the great desert of human hopes, and anticipating the promised joy,—so shall the spiritual idea guide all right desires in their passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God."

I am grateful for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, and for class instruction, which is lifting me above the world of sense into the realm of Spirit, the kingdom of heaven, here and now. Only I myself can fully realize my regeneration. May my gratitude be expressed in good works, that I may prove myself worthy to bear the honored name of "Christian Scientist."

Sidney Everett, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

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