This testimony is given in joyous thanksgiving, with the desire to bear witness to the fact that Christian Science is the Comforter promised by Christ Jesus.
My introduction to this Science came about eighteen years ago, when I was healed instantaneously of heart trouble while reading the chapter entitled "Prayer" in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. I had purchased this book that very day to try to find peace from mental suffering at a time of many financial and physical problems. I was not then aware that "not partially, but fully, the great healer of mortal mind is the healer of the body" (ibid., p. 326).
From that day to this I have never resorted to the use of medicine for my family or myself. Many other healings took place as I continued to study. Continual headaches and sinus trouble fell away without specific work being done. Financial problems were steadily overcome, and we were indeed able to prove that "divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (ibid., p. 494).
About two years after I came into Christian Science, a very alarming physical condition presented itself to me. At the request of one of the members of my family, I had a diagnosis by a specialist, who declared I would have to undergo an operation or I probably would not live after 1936. Filled with fear at the thought of death and having to leave our little children, I turned to a Christian Science practitioner for help. The symptoms grew worse for some time, but I rejoice in the progress I was forced to make in getting rid of much erroneous thinking. I am grateful for the patience and loving support of this practitioner. Evidence of the condition gradually lessened, and the healing was accomplished a number of years ago.
One day, when my husband was getting ready to go to business, he had to lie down, due to a numbness all over. I saw at once that the activity of good thoughts was all that was needed, and I read to him from Science and Health. Within ten minutes he was completely healed, and within half an hour he was ready to drive his car into town. The condition never returned. Through radical reliance on Christian Science the members of our family have experienced many healings, including those of pneumonia, scarlet fever, and grief at the passing of a loved one.
During the war our two sons were in active service. While the younger one was on a ship that was torpedoed at sea, he was tossed across the deck and became unconscious. When he came to, he clung to the truth that he had learned at home and in the Christian Science Sunday School. He was rescued shortly afterward and taken to a naval hospital. I got in touch with the headquarters for Christian Science Wartime Activities and asked them to have a worker call on him. Within twenty-four hours from the time I notified them, a Christian Science Wartime Minister had seen him and had taken up work in Science for him; he also had provided him with a Bible, Science and Health, and a Christian Science Quarterly, because his books had been lost at sea. From the time this boy was entered in the hospital, he would accept no medicine. He asked the doctors just to let him rest and use his Christian Science, and they agreed to this request. Within two weeks he was discharged and at home. He gradually became stronger and was completely healed.
Our elder son, who flew thirty-eight missions over enemy territory, said that he never went up in a bomber without knowing that "clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you" (Science and Health, p. 571). He had many so-called narrow escapes and on his last mission was wounded and taken to a hospital in Italy. The doctors there, and others in this country, claimed that he could never again be very active or participate in sports. We held constantly to the truth that man in God's image and likeness is complete and whole. Within a short while he was enrolled in college and playing on the baseball team. Many newspapers printed the story of his remarkable progress. Christian Science brought unspeakable comfort to me while these two boys were in service, and my heart was filled with gratitude for the Wartime Ministers, who got in touch with them no matter where they were.
I rejoice that I have been able to touch the hem of Christ's garment, and that this was made possible through the teachings of our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy. For class instruction and for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church I am grateful. It is my sincere desire to be worthy of the name "Christian Scientist."— Needham, Massachusetts.
