Some years ago I was very seriously injured physically. Much swelling, inflammation, discoloration, and great weakness resulted therefrom, and for some time I suffered great pain. For many weeks I worked faithfully over the condition, to the best of my understanding, and also had the assistance of my husband. The more acute symptoms were overcome, but there was not a complete healing. Periodically the condition caused me much discomfort and great concern.
At the time I sustained this injury I tried to analyze my thinking to ascertain the mental cause, since Mrs. Eddy tells us that "metaphysics resolves things into thoughts" (Science and Health, p. 269). A few weeks previous to the injury I had had my feelings badly wounded. Seemingly a great injustice had been done me, and I was tremendously hurt. Although I struggled with the situation I could not seem to rid myself of a smoldering sense of resentment or so-called righteous indignation. In order to destroy the effect I knew I must uproot the cause. This was not so easy, but our Leader tells us that "the warfare with one's self is grand" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 118). So it is, but one does not always appreciate this in the midst of the battle. However, she also tells us that "Truth is always the victor" (Science and Health, p. 380). Just to the extent that I was able to conquer the sense of resentment and injured feelings was I relieved, but still there was not a permanent healing. One morning, after weeks of deep study and earnest mental work, the mesmerism suddenly broke, the battle with self was won, and, like the woman in the Bible, I felt in my body that I "was healed of that plague." I knew that I had conquered every vestige of resentment and hurt feelings. I had finally realized the impersonal nature of error and was able to restore my friend again to her rightful place of love in my affections. Almost immediately came the opportunity to prove this in a most unexpected way, and I am grateful to say I was not found wanting.
From that moment there was rapid improvement in my physical condition. I suffered no more discomfort, and in an incredibly short time the healing was complete. Although I have had many wonderful healings in Christian Science in the past twenty-five years, none ever gave me so much food for thought or taught me so clearly the mental cause of physical effects.
