I first heard of Christian Science the year I entered college. A copy of Science and Health by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy, was given to me at that time with the loving assurance that I would find the study of the book helpful in my college work. Little did I realize then how very much it would mean to me in the years ahead.
Many years elapsed before Christian Science became a part of my everyday life. To acknowledge with sincere gratitude the many blessings experienced by my family and me is the pleasant purpose of this testimony.
The one who gave me the book became my wife, and I owe much to her loving help and patience when the going seemed rough and discouraging. During those early years of study and application of Christian Science to human problems, I was learning the value of steadfastness. On page 261 of Science and Health we read, "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." I frequently refer to this passage for encouragement and inspiration.
Holding thought in this manner has brought me through some trying experiences. I have had healings of growths on an eyelid and one leg, of severe intestinal pains, disturbances caused by faulty digestion and blockage, and an infected fistula.
I also experienced an instantaneous healing of an infected tooth. This healing occurred while my wife was reading aloud from a lecture on Christian Science printed in the Monitor. A dentist had urged me to have the tooth removed since it was considered to be a potential threat to my health. Much stress and emphasis had been laid on the urgency of the matter, to the extent that I was quite fearful. It is over twenty years since this healing occurred. I still have the tooth. It has been in a healthy condition ever since.
Physical healings are wonderfully important to all students of Christian Science, but the student soon learns that the really important gain has been his progress spiritually. Each experience brings him closer to God—closer to Him in the understanding of man's true status as the image and likeness of his creator.
An experience which I had in my early years of study of this Science may be helpful. The fear of a heart condition had been implanted in my thought by someone with whom I frequently came in contact each day during business hours. One day this person, with a sincere desire to be of help to me, suggested that the pace I was going during several weeks of abnormal business rush would manifest itself as a heart condition if I didn't take care. Having much to do, I neglected dealing with the suggestion. Not putting first things first took its toll. The physical symptoms became alarming.
I realized that I needed the help of a Christian Science practitioner. Many things had to be set straight. Extreme nervousness, chest pains, nausea, and periodic severe headaches were clamoring for attention. One night I put in a telephone call to a practitioner in another city to ask for specific help because of these difficulties.
In the very short time elapsing between placing the call and getting the practitioner on the line, an important change took place in my thinking. When the practitioner answered, I did not ask for physical help; instead I said: "It is about time that I become an earnest, consistent Christian Scientist. I know that it is the greatest thing in the world to be, and I would like to have you help me." I didn't say a word about the physical dilemma I was in, but I realized later that it wasn't necessary, because this would be taken care of in the spiritual unfoldment which followed. I became more consistent in my study and more steadfast —putting my advancement spiritually as my number one consideration—and within a very short time the healings were experienced and have been permanent.
I am grateful for Christ Jesus, for Mrs. Eddy, for membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, for class instruction, and for the privilege of helping others as I have been helped.— Rancho Santa Fe, California.
