After World War II, while on active duty with the Army, I found...

Fred N. Woodworth

After World War II, while on active duty with the Army, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by a sense of frustration and failure. Both my wife and my mother wrote, urging me to consult a Christian Science practitioner. I was not favorably disposed toward Science, but I honored their recommendation by arranging an appointment with the Christian Science Wartime Minister who was active at my post. My first meeting with him was the turning point of my life. A sense of hope entered my consciousness as I listened to his thoughtful explanation of God and man. I left his office feeling much encouraged, although still worried about prospects for the future.

Following his advice, I started reading the chapter entitled "Prayer" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. Her handling of the subject of prayer impressed me. I felt at home with this concept, although (as I commented to the Wartime Minister at a later meeting) I did not feel able to accept the idea that Christian Science could heal disease or physical disability.

Soon I was transferred to another station, with a short stop-over at home while en route. The afternoon of my departure from home I sprained my ankle. By train time the ankle was badly swollen, and I could not place any weight on the foot. A sympathetic porter assisted me into my berth, where I read from Science and Health until I fell asleep. There was no conscious seeking for healing; but before I fell asleep, I felt a sense of harmony and well-being.

When I awoke in the morning, I dressed and left my berth, walking naturally—having forgotten about the ankle. The porter met me and expressed surprise to find me recovered. The ankle had been healed without my even realizing the fact! I silently thanked God for this, and I found myself recalling this marvel frequently during the next few days. The healing inspired me to start studying Christian Science seriously. Soon I began attending Christian Science church services. Within a few months I was released from active duty and returned to civilian life.

My wife and I decided to attend a Church of Christ, Scientist, regularly, enrolled the children in Sunday School, and began studying the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly. We also started relying upon Science for healing, enlisting the aid of practitioners when we were unable to handle a difficulty ourselves. Later the cigarette habit and social drinking faded from my experience. Membership in The Mother Church and in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, has enriched my life and proved to be a real blessing.

Words cannot adequately express my heartfelt gratitude for having been led to investigate Christian Science, through the study and application of which I have gained some understanding of "The New Birth," described so vividly by Mrs. Eddy in an article bearing that title in her "Miscellaneous Writings." She writes (p. 15), "Nothing aside from the spiritualization—yea, the highest christianization—of thought and desire, can give the true perception of God and divine Science, that results in health, happiness, and holiness."

Christian Science has revolutionized my life, dispelling gloom with the light of spiritual understanding, healing sickness, meeting economic difficulties, and solving employment problems during the past nineteen years.

I am everlastingly grateful for Christ Jesus and the gospel of the ever-present healing Christ which he taught; also for Mrs. Eddy's explanation of divine Science in Science and Health, which has translated the true significance of Jesus' ministry into a practical, demonstrable Science that has brought health, joy, and peace into the lives of countless individuals. I am especially grateful for the many branch churches and practitioners now available as a result of Mrs. Eddy's untiring efforts as Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

Fred N. Woodworth, Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania

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