My appreciation is unbounded because of the fact that the impressionable years of my teens were spent in the Christian Science Sunday School. How well I know that here was laid a foundation for withstanding the distractions and temptations presented by the illusory claims of mortal existence. Thus I am grateful beyond measure for those selfless and spiritually-minded teachers and friends who led me to see the light of the Christ-idea, which has guided, guarded, and instructed me.
Many physical healings have been experienced. One of these was an instantaneous healing of a cut and infected finger, the discoloration disappearing and the wound healing in one treatment. A broken or badly dislocated bone in a foot was quickly healed with the loving aid of a practitioner who was many miles distant. I lost but one day from work. A high fever and a painfully infected throat, which made it impossible for me to swallow any food or water, were promptly healed with the help of a Christian Science chaplain.
While stationed on a remote Pacific island, where I was the sole Christian Scientist, I cut my foot on a sharp piece of coral. A case of blood poisoning developed, and I suffered for several days from intense pain. The swelling was such that it was not possible for me to stand on the foot or to put on a shoe. Almost in desperation I prayed to the Father for inspiration and guidance that I might discern the Christ-idea, which would bring healing and relief. This passage from Psalms was the message which flooded my consciousness (91:11, 12): "He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." The pain left almost instantly; by morning the swelling was gone, and I was able to return to my duties rejoicing. More recently further proof was furnished of the healing efficacy of Christian Science when an attack of yellow jaundice was overcome with the aid of a practitioner.
