I have been a student of Christian Science for almost seventy...

ROBERTA DUANE MATTHEWS

I have been a student of Christian Science for almost seventy years. Our family was introduced to this Science by an uncle who, as a young man, was confined to a wheelchair with what had been diagnosed as bone cancer.

One of the doctors attending this uncle suggested that he investigate a new religion called Christian Science. So my uncle secured a copy of the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. He also dismissed the doctors and engaged a Christian Science practitioner to help him through prayer. After several months of studying the textbook and having help from the practitioner, my uncle was healed. He lived a long and active life. Eventually my sister and I, who were children at the time, were enrolled in the Christian Science Sunday School.

As the years went by, I married and had three children. Our family has experienced many instances of guidance, protection, and healings of illnesses through practice of the truths of Christian Science.

At one time we were looking for a place to live. A practitioner who was supporting us through prayer reminded us of this statement by Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 454): "Wait patiently for divine Love to move upon the waters of mortal mind, and form the perfect concept. Patience must 'have her perfect work.' "

One day we received a telephone call from two dear relatives, offering us their summer beach house as a place to live. They told us that they had no further need for it, as they were moving to a warmer climate. We were able to winterize the house and live in it comfortably all year round. Later we were able to buy it. We have spent many happy years in our beach home with its lovely ocean view.

At one point our family had a need for additional income. Mrs. Eddy tells us (Science and Health, p. 199), "The devotion of thought to an honest achievement makes the achievement possible." I am an artist, and I prayed for guidance in marketing my work. One day a lawyer (a friend of the family) and his secretary visited us. As we sat and talked the secretary asked if I had ever sold my paintings. "Yes," I told her, "when I exhibit them, but I need a larger market now." She replied, "Why don't you let us take some into the city? I think we could sell them from our office." Then she added, "We have a large clientele and I'm sure people would buy them." I was delighted with this kind offer, and for many years my paintings were sold in that way.

For membership in The Mother Church and for many joy-filled years of membership in a local branch church, I am deeply grateful. This testimony would not be complete without my expression of profound gratitude for the Christian Science periodicals, including our wonderful newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor.

ROBERTA DUANE MATTHEWS
Long Beach, New York

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