Many years ago my wife became interested in Christian Science. At that time I found fatuous the concept of healing through knowing the nothingness of matter and the allness of God, good. Consequently, I turned to a medical practitioner in time of sickness, and my wife relied on her own study and the treatment of a Christian Science practitioner when she needed help for health or any other reason.
One evening I returned from my scholastic duties with such extreme pain in all my limbs that any form of movement was very difficult. During the evening I suffered greatly, and was almost overwhelmed by intense fear. I had been married a very short time, and the thought of being absent from my professional duties even for a while greatly concerned me. I was filled with anxiety as to whether I should be able to continue in my work, and feared even to send for my doctor, because I felt I knew what his pronouncement would be. I asked my wife to arrange for me to have Christian Science help, although I was ignorant as to what form this help would take.
In response to my wife's call, two practitioners, husband and wife, were soon at my bedside. They sat quietly with me. I felt an easing of my tension and fear as they spoke briefly to me of God's great love and infinite care for me, and of my spiritual sonship with God. Before they left, one of them agreed to treat me. It was recommended that I study a short passage in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I have always found great comfort in this passage (p. 201): "We cannot fill vessels already full. They must first be emptied. Let us disrobe error. Then, when the winds of God blow, we shall not hug our tatters close about us."
