On page 283 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we read, "Mind is the source of all movement, and there is no inertia to retard or check its perpetual and harmonious action." This passage brought me from darkness into the light of the understanding of Truth, into freedom; for I had been in bondage many years. I was a great sufferer from hip disease, an after effect of scarlet fever, which I had when a very small child. This was attended by the suffering and discord said to accompany this disease, such as abscesses, curved spine, shortened limb, stomach trouble, constipation, night sweats; and for seven years I slept in a rocking chair, when I could sleep at all. With the reading of the passage quoted above came demonstration; and I immediately got up and took a few steps. It is true it was very difficult; but oh, the joy of knowing I was free—free from the constant suffering, and could lie down and sleep without constant pain. From that night there was rapid gain; and in a few weeks I cast aside the crutches I had used for twenty years.
I was thirty-six years old when our baby came, and many so-called laws of mortal mind were broken. The doctor said the birth was simply impossible, and he had engaged a surgeon to operate (without our consent) if necessary. With the loving help of a faithful Christian Science practitioner, the birth was painless and happy—a beautiful demonstration, giving the lie to age and conditions; and showing us, most truly, that "there is no power apart from God," as Mrs. Eddy says on page 228 of Science and Health.
We have had many physical healings, many demonstrations of different name and nature; but learning to know the Bible and so to appreciate the works of our beloved Leader, and the spiritual uplift that came to me in this wonderful healing, mean more to me than the disappearance of all the physical ills. I try to express my gratitude in different ways: for the Manual, the literature, membership in both The Mother Church and a branch church, and teaching in the Sunday school. I do thank God daily for Mrs. Eddy and Christian Science. To it we owe all we have and all we are. Indeed, I am a living witness of the healing power of this new-old religion.— Portland, Ore.
