When I was about twelve years of age and living in a small community where there were few children, I was often bored and read avidly anything that came to hand. Some of it, as I recall, was not suitable for a twelve-year-old.

However, I remember finding a copy of the Sentinel somewhere and being very much impressed with its contents. Reference was made frequently to the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and I was curious to see what this book was like. I borrowed it from a library many miles away and scarcely understood a word of it, but I recall I was uplifted in my consciousness for quite some time and resolved that when I had an opportunity I would try to find out more about this Science.

I moved to a large city in my teens and became so absorbed in a career of work and marriage that I forgot about the Christian Science textbook. Years later a series of problems arose which I did not seem able to cope with. Christian Science was presented to me at this period by a woman I scarcely knew, and I remembered the experience of reading the textbook as a child.

I sought out a Christian Science practitioner, who patiently explained its teachings; I procured the textbook and began its study in earnest. I had not been inside a church for several years, since I had seemed to get no inspiration or help from the church f last attended. I remember how timidly I entered a Christian Science church on a Wednesday evening to attend the testimony meeting, and what a wonderful experience it was! I knew immediately that Science was what I had been seeking.

I did not apply Christian Science to any physical problem, but became so absorbed in its study that I seemed unaware of my body. Soon people began to remark about my changed appearance. I had been extremely underweight, and I began to gain weight and was told even my expression had changed. A whole new way of life opened to me, and I greeted each day with happiness.

I have experienced and witnessed many healings since then, but I should like to relate one that has meant much to me and has encouraged me to persevere when I have had other difficulties.

One summer my foot became infected, and my leg swelled almost to my knee. This continued for over two months; and I worked for myself in Christian Science, but there did not seem to be any improvement.

I then asked my husband to drive me to a city about eighty miles away to see a Christian Science practitioner; this he very kindly did. The practitioner talked to me for some time and encouraged me in my thinking and said he would continue to do prayerful work for me.

Shortly after this I awakened one night in a great deal of pain quietly got out of bed and went downstairs so as not to awaken my family and began reading the textbook. I had been thinking, How can I expect to be healed of this condition, when my husband, family, and neighbors are so concerned and are surrounding me with thoughts of fear and criticism?

Almost immediately I came across the statement on page 399 of Science and Health which reads: "The one Mind, God, contains no mortal opinions. All that is real is included in this immortal Mind." It was a revelation to me to see that there is just one Mind and that all the mortal opinions in the world cannot affect one whit the ideas in immortal Mind.

I lost all fear of the opinions of others, and almost immediately the foot started to heal. Within three weeks it was normal, and I do not now recall which foot was affected. This has meant much to me, for it showed clearly that the thoughts or opinions of others cannot prevent or obstruct a healing.

When my husband passed on seven years ago, I was forced to go back into the business world after an absence of many years. The suggestion that it would be difficult for anyone of my age to find office work was annulled, and a position was offered me that has been much more pleasant, responsible, and remunerative than any I have ever had. The way opened up for my daughter to attend college after it seetned this would not be possible.

I have had so many blessings that I could not begin to enumerate them here. For membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, for class instruction, for the lectures, the periodicals, the practitioners, and every channel through which Truth reaches mankind, I am grateful.—(Mrs.) Pearl Crawford Clark, St. Louis, Missouri.