The most wonderful blessing which has come to my consciousness through the study of Christian Science is the knowledge that there is only one Church founded on the Christ, Truth. As I was brought up in a small town where there were many denominations, each representing itself as the right one, it took several years' study for me to realize clearly this healing truth and to know that man-made theories and doctrines are but beliefs of mortal mind, not a part of God's law and government.
My first physical healing in Christian Science was in 1914. I was attending school away from home, and during the autumn months had suffered much from severe colds. While home on my Christmas vacation I awakened one night with a pain in my side, and unable to move. A physician was called and diagnosed the case as inflammation of the bowels, and material law, so called, sentenced me to suffer, claiming that the condition was very dangerous. Another physician from the city was called, but as their medicine gave me no relief an osteopathic physician was asked to treat me. After being in this state for five weeks, receiving the kindest attention and the best of care but no relief, I asked to have Christian Science treatment, and my request was granted. The first treatment was an absent one, but it gave me rest, and I began to get better.
In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 414, 415) Mrs. Eddy tells us: "Matter cannot be inflamed. Inflammation is fear, an excited state of mortals which is not normal. Immortal Mind is the only cause; therefore disease is neither a cause nor an effect. Mind in every case is the eternal God, good." The practitioner's loving reflection of this truth restored my health, and in a few days I was up,—free from pain and fear, and able to take a short trip. The trouble has never returned; and since that time I have been able to overcome every cold quickly by the application of the truth.
