Several years ago I witnessed a friend's healing of influenza simply through her reading of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. She seemed so ill, yet steadfastly refused medical aid, and I became quite indignant with her, even asking her husband why he did not call a doctor. She lovingly requested me to mind my own business and leave her alone. Two days later she called to go shopping and was quite herself, well and happy. I remarked, "Any book that can do such things is well worth having;" so that day I purchased a copy of the Christian Science textbook. My husband and I read it, but were not ready for its blessings; so it was laid aside with the excuse that it was too difficult to understand.
Two years later I found myself in the depths morally, mentally, and physically. Having exhausted medical skill and receiving little encouragement, I, like thousands of others, was at last only too glad to try Christian Science. What hope, what faith, what a real desire to live, came to me after the first visit of a loving practitioner! In three days I was completely healed of a condition which four doctors had told me would require an operation. An honest, sincere study of Christian Science was begun and has continued, and it has met my every need. Many faults of character have been and are being overcome. Selfishness is giving way to unselfishness, and a real desire to give; patience and humility are slowly, but surely, supplanting impatience and self-righteousness; an appreciation for the really good, worth-while things in life has entirely replaced a desire to be constantly seeking a so-called good time; and gradually a human, selfish love is being transformed into that greatly desired quality, pure affection.
Recently I experienced a wonderful healing. It has been my custom for some time to arise a couple of hours earlier than the rest of the family in order to study. For some months earnest, prayerful work had been done for a mental condition which seemed to defy all efforts. One morning on awakening, a great sense of depression came over me, with the suggestion that no progress was being made, so why should I get up so early! This lie was immediately silenced by gratefully acknowledging the many blessings already received. Quite unconsciously there came to me an innate longing for some tangible proof that God is omnipresent. With this desire (prayer) I arose, dressed, and proceeded to study. The first citation from the Lesson-Sermon had not been read through when the thought came to me to look at a small growth that had been on my body for ten years. I did; and the most natural puncture had been made, and the growth was discharging itself. Here was my proof; like Thomas, I too saw and believed. Needless to say, hope and courage were greatly renewed. This is just one instance of immediate answer to prayer. I could cite many others which have occurred.
