My mother took up the study of Christian Science when I was a young boy. She had been in frail health for years, and an unsuccessful operation had left her deeply discouraged. She was afraid she would not live until my brother and I were grown. Shortly after she started to read Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, her physical condition and outlook began to improve, and she enjoyed an active life into her eighties.

One morning many years ago while I was on my way to the office with a friend, an automobile ran over my foot. Those who came to my aid wanted to call an ambulance, but I refused to let them although the pain was intense. With the help of my friend I managed to board a streetcar and continue on to the office.

When I hobbled into the office, my associates urged me to see a doctor immediately, I assured them that I would be all right, even though I had to be on my feet all day. Later in the morning a witness to the accident came into the office and was amazed to see me at work.

At that time I was taking an active part in athletics. Each day at the lunch hour I would walk to the YMCA building more than a mile away, run a mile on the indoor track, swim for a few minutes, and then walk back. The schedule appeared impossible that day.

Then I began to realize that to be healed quickly I could not work from the standpoint that the accident was a reality requiring a period of recovery. Mrs. Eddy's statement in Science and Health came to my thought (p. 424), "Under divine Providence there can be no accidents, since there is no room for imperfection in perfection."

By the noon hour the pain had greatly lessened, and I decided to go ahead with my daily routine. Walking and running on the foot were not easy; but as I went forward, the condition rapidly improved. By the next day I was virtually normal and later competed in vigorous athletic events without the slightest hindrance.

This experience was a turning point in my life. It made me realize that I could not honestly accept the benefits of Christian Science without taking an active part in the Christian Science movement. Shortly thereafter I joined The Mother Church and a branch church and have had the happy privilege of serving in many capacities, including that of First Reader in a branch church. Teaching in the Sunday School has been an especially rewarding activity.

My study and application of Christian Science have unfolded opportunities for progress that would otherwise have seemed impossible. One in particular was a change from one field of business, in which I had been engaged for many years, into another field that I knew little about but for which my talents seemed better suited.

Mortal mind argued that I would have to start all over, take a salary cut, and face stiff competition for advancement. But when the way opened to make the move, I was given a position usually attained only after years of experience in that profession. My salary was also greater than ever before. Later I was able to establish my own business in that field and have enjoyed its benefits for over two decades.

My deep thanks go out to the practitioners who have helped me so unselfishly and to my wife whose devotion to Truth has greatly encouraged and strengthened me. We are both thankful that our daughter could attend a college where the practice of Christian Science is encouraged.

I never cease to be grateful for Mrs. Eddy's great revelation of Christian Science, for her spirituality that enabled her to receive the revelation, and for her God-sustained courage that made it possible for her to share it with all mankind.

Edward Clayton Snyder, Oakland, California