I first heard of Christian Science in 1917, when I was in great need of help. I had been advised by a physician to submit to an operation for kidney trouble. A friend lovingly spoke to me about Christian Science and told me that I need not have the operation if I would trust God. He directed me to the office of a Christian Science practitioner, and in one treatment it was proved that "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow." Within twenty-four hours a large piece of kidney gravel was eliminated quite naturally, and there was no pain or discomfort.
In the intervening years, the struggle to overcome error through increasing light and growth in Christian Science has not been easy, but the ultimate triumphs over physical and sinful sense have brought with them a peace and inward glow that cannot be put into words. Many healings, too numerous to mention, have been brought about through the faithful application of Christian Science, including those of the smoking habit, the need of wearing glasses, and a heart condition which had troubled me from youth.
A more recent experience left me with a greater sense of love and gratitude for the wisdom of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in leaving that precious gift to humanity, the Manual of The Mother Church. I was attacked with severe pain in the side, which had a paralyzing effect on one leg. I could neither lie down nor be seated without pain. I asked the help of a Christian Science practitioner, which was very lovingly given. The sense of pain seemed most severe at night. On the fourth night it was necessary to telephone the practitioner at two o'clock. The fear of death seemed present with me. After many comforting words, the practitioner instructed me to turn to the Manual of The Mother Church by our Leader and study the Appendix. I did so, and there came to me a higher and more spiritual concept of Church, as Mrs. Eddy conceived it. I remembered the words of Paul, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God?" My thought was much uplifted, and the pain immediately left me and I fell asleep. However, a sense of pressure remained with me for some time and caused me to work to attain the full realization of my healing. Then came the words of James, "Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing;" also those of Mrs. Eddy (Science and Health, p. 454), "Patience must 'have her perfect work.'" With that I was soon freed from all pressure or suggestion that anything had been wrong.
