I wish to express gratitude for...

Laura Clark Atkinson

I wish to express gratitude for a growing understanding and appreciation of what the work of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, means to the world today. The reading of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which she wrote, has brought mental, moral, physical, and financial benefit to me, and will bless all who will study and accept the teaching of Christian Science.

Thirty-five years ago I was living in a Midwest city, almost within the shadow of a Christian Science church. When its chimes played I had a sense of resentment; they seemed to be calling me, and I was resolved not to go. Then my husband was persuaded to buy a house out of town, where we could spend the summers, and we moved away from the chimes.

A housekeeper was engaged for the country place, but she did not come; whereupon a Christian Science friend sent out her houseman to tide me over for a few days. Upon his arrival the whole atmosphere of the house changed. I had run away from the chimes, and here was a gentle, understanding man who came, bringing with him all the books and literature a Scientist should have, among them The Christian Science Monitor. Much could be written about the "silent lesson" of his "good example." In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 126) Mrs. Eddy says, "No reproof is so potent as the silent lesson of a good example." That day I began my journey from sense to Soul.

The Monitor has played a large part in that tourney. From the moment the first copy was placed in my hands I did not need to be told what this newspaper means to the world. Working on the circulation committee of our daily paper in three different cities has been a great privilege.

It would not be possible to record here all the healings I have witnessed in Christian Science. In my own case the healing of blood poisoning which had followed an accident to my arm was to me at the time nothing less than miraculous. A practitioner was called at about three o'clock that afternoon, which was Sunday, and my fear was wonderfully allayed. After a perfectly peaceful night's sleep, I awoke with a greater feeling of happiness and freedom than I had ever had in my life. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy makes this statement (pp. 411. 412): "If you succeed in wholly removing the fear, your patient is healed." On Wednesday I was able to dress myself and ride four miles on a suburban car line in order to attend a Wednesday evening testimony meeting.

When I became interested in Christian Science I was unable to care for my own house. As I continued to attend the Wednesday evening meetings in a spirit of expectancy and consecration. I found Thursday to be the day in which I accomplished the most with the least effort. Gradually I reached the point where I could do whatever needed to be done, with no ill effects. I proved the truth of Mrs. Eddy's words (ibid., p. 385). "Whatever it is your duty to do you can do without harm to yourself."

Throat trouble of years' standing was permanently healed through the work of a practitioner. Stomach trouble was also overcome, and I thank God for my freedom. Sprained ankles, influenza, and severe colds have all been quickly healed by the application of the truth. The healing of sorrow at the passing of my mother was a blessing never to be forgotten; the memory of it has enabled me to stand and to help others overcome the shocks of a war-torn world. I wonder how people without Christian Science bear up at all.

Class instruction was a bright spot in my experience. This passage was made very clear to me (ibid., p. 485): "Not death, but the understanding of Life. makes; man immortal."

For membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church I am unceasingly grateful; also for the fact that again I live almost within the shadow of a Christian Science church.—(Mrs.) Laura Clark Atkinson. Beverly Hills, California.

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Testimony of Healing

Sincere gratitude to God for His...

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