Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals....

Robert Jenness Mitchell

"Love is impartial and universal in its adaptation and bestowals. It is the open fount which cries, 'Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.'" This statement, found on page 13 of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, was proved true to me many years ago.

At one time I was violently opposed to what I believed Christian Science to be, so much so, in fact, that I delighted in trying to confuse or embarrass those who professed that way of thought. This attitude was abruptly ended through an experience which came to me during the time of World War I. In the influenza epidemic of those years I was stricken under conditions that made Christian Science the only help available. I am quite sure that had I been conscious, I would have refused this help, so bitter was my thought. But in the emergency my wife chose Christian Science treatment for me, and I was immediately healed. "If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom" (Job 33:23,24).

When I returned to camp, my superior officer ordered me to the hospital for an examination. It was conducted by the colonel in charge. He had been informed by my superior that I was "one of those Christian Science guys." After a very thorough examination, the colonel sent me on my way with the following statement: "There is no doubt but that you have had a very nasty case of the flu, and there is no doubt but that you are entirely healed." Then looking me right in the eye he continued: "If I were you, I would go home, get down on my knees, and thank God that I had been picked up by some Christian Scientists. Otherwise, you would be dead today." This startling statement destroyed all sense of resistance to Christian Science in my thought and established there a keen desire to learn the truth of this way of life.

In order to follow through on this desire, I went directly from the hospital to the Christian Science hut in the camp. There, in response to my inquiry, "How can I learn about Christian Science?" I was given a copy of the Bible along with copies of Science and Health and the Quarterly. I have been studying ever since.

Over the ensuing years I have continued to study and to pray as taught in Christian Science. As a consequence I have experienced many healings, including those of broken bones, inharmonious bodily functions, and unhappy human relationships. I have been blessed with much good, including a daughter and a son who have both married students of Christian Science. These unions have resulted in five grandchildren, who are all attendants at the Christian Science Sunday School.

All that I have related proves that even the unbeliever can be blessed, so powerful and infinite are Truth and Love; and as one carries on, the blessing will be carried on. It is in gratitude for Mrs. Eddy, who brought to our time this wonderful way of life, Christian Science, that I am helping to carry on the work of bringing this truth to the entire world.

Robert Jenness Mitchell, Fort Myers, Florida

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