When one has had a physical healing, the potency of Christian Science is realized. When one feels the healing truth in his body, hears the "Peace, be still," quieting turbulent thoughts, and sees the manifestations of disease, accident, or sin disappear, then is one's heart lifted in gratitude to Mary Baker Eddy for unfolding this great truth to mankind. It is heart-cheering to know that this sublime and wonderful Science is really so simple that even a child can grasp and apply it; that it is so practical that everyone can use it daily and hourly to solve his every problem.
Some time ago one of my boys, aged fourteen, came early from school feeling quite ill, and with a rash all over his body. I recognized this as hives in rather a violent form. In past experience I had known such attacks to be accompanied by distressing symptoms, but I put the remembrance from me and tried to be obedient to our Leader, who says on page 495 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought. Let neither fear nor doubt overshadow your clear sense and calm trust, that the recognition of life harmonious—as Life eternally is—can destroy any painful sense of, or belief in, that which Life is not." My boy worked with me, trying to realize the truth; but though he was relieved, the manifestation remained from Monday until Wednesday morning. At that time he said to me, "Mother, if I could just get my thoughts right and everybody's thoughts right for about five minutes, I could make this demonstration." I assured him that he had only his own thoughts to make right, for then he would be on God's side and "one with God is a majority;" that it meant having that Mind "which was also in Christ Jesus," that Mind which heals and saves, and which our Leader says must accompany every application of Christian Science in order to make a demonstration. Then I asked him to try to realize the truth of Mrs. Eddy's words, that "God is everywhere, and nothing apart from Him is present or has power" (ibid., p. 473). In half an hour the child was dressed and ready for school—his thoughts were right! On his return home nothing was left of the trouble. Our Leader says (ibid., p. 410), "Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger," and I know that is true.
This demonstration gave us courage to meet without fear another at tack of error, just twenty-four hours later, when the same boy had a sudden manifestation of hernia. He suffered greatly, but his faith and confidence were beautiful and the healing almost instantaneous, so that he returned at once to school. In gratitude he asked me to write this testimony, hoping it might help someone else to be free.
