"Freely ye have received, freely give." I certainly have received freely, and I hope that what I have to give in this testimony will be read by those who, like myself, have attempted the intellectual approach to Christian Science. I assure anyone that it cannot be done with any degree of success. I tried that approach and found my position untenable.
After I had been healed instantaneously of such habits as the use of profane language and tobacco in its different forms, I received healings of such bodily ailments as hemorrhoids, rectal abscesses, constipation, chronic catarrh, and all tendency to colds. All of these healings came simply from reading Science and Health.
I reasoned, however, that this Science was but another cult of mental healers, somewhat more successful than the rest, because of its religious aspect; but no more efficacious except in reaching greater numbers because of its larger membership. I conceded the fact that the movement was not commercial or mercenary in any way, and I continued to attend regularly the Sunday services and Wednesday testimony meetings and to purchase and read the authorized literature.
About this time I began to delve into the Church Manual and considered it very tyrannical, particularly Article IV, Section 1, which states in part, "The Bible, together with Science and Health and other works by Mrs. Eddy, shall be his only textbooks for self-instruction in Christian Science, and for teaching and practising metaphysical healing." I reasoned that the human mind cannot read anything without being instructed or misinstructed by that very reading. Therefore if I became a member of The Mother Church I would have to give up other works that claimed to teach metaphysical healing.
Because of the misinstruction of mortal mind by these other works, the inevitable came about, and I soon found myself confronted with what the medical fraternity calls an incurable disease—Bright's disease —which I am happy to state was overcome with the help of a practitioner. I was healed of my dislike of the Manual at the first treatment. I could see that Article IV, Section 1, instead of being tyrannical is loving, and its intent is to keep Christian Science pure. Also at this time came the acceptance of the Bible as inspired, and Science and Health as its inspired interpretation. Before this they were just good books which were furnishing me with the "loaves" and "fishes" of physical healing.
I am grateful for every activity of the Christian Science movement; for the loving work of the practitioner as she voiced the healing Word of God; and also for membership in both The Mother Church and a branch church.— Bridgeport, Connecticut.
