I would like to express my gratitude for the healing many years ago of severe arthritis, which came through reading Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I had been suffering from this problem for ten years, had been in and out of hospitals, where doctors had given me no hope of ever being able to walk without sticks again. They stated I would become more of an invalid.
At that time I was very depressed. Then, one day as I was about to lean on a wall for support, I found myself looking in a window of a Christian Science Reading Room and reading these words in Science and Health (p. 495): "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea." The operative word to me was "illusion." I kept reading this over and over again, because I didn't understand it. Arthritis seemed no illusion to me.
I wanted to understand what I had read, so I went into the Reading Room and asked the librarian if I could read that book. I started at the beginning, and I returned again and again to the Reading Room to read until I bought my own copy. I read Science and Health through and studied different passages, including those in the weekly Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly. I wanted to understand these statements because I was manifesting much the opposite to what was stated in this book. One such statement was (ibid., p. 118): "Ages pass, but this leaven of Truth is ever at work. It must destroy the entire mass of error, and so be eternally glorified in man's spiritual freedom." The book and its logic so interested me that it didn't occur to me to ask for help from a Christian Science practitioner. Each day I felt great benefit from what I read.
I should say that before this time I always liked reading the Bible, but I never had understood its spiritual significance until I read Science and Health. One passage in the Bible that was inspiring and helpful at this time was (Rom. 12:2), "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Another, Christ Jesus' words found in Matthew (11:28-30), reads: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
I came to realize that the cause of this malady was mental, not physical, and that it was a belief that had to be eliminated, since, as Science and Health explains, there is no matter. I found I had to change the whole basis of my thought by overcoming false traits of character, such as resentment and criticism, and to open it to be receptive to the truth. I began to accept into it the light of Life, Truth, and Love and the reality of my true being. Words from two hymns from the Christian Science Hymnal, Nos. 109 and 179, greatly enhanced my understanding of loving unselfishly. The latter hymn begins, "Love one another,— word of revelation."
Gradually the pain disappeared; I was able to discard the sticks and was completely healed. That was many years ago and there has been no recurrence of this problem.
What can I say about this "pearl of great price"! My heart is full of joy and love when I look back and realize the grace of God in restoring me to a very active and useful life. I stand in awe of the selfless love and devotion Mrs. Eddy had for all mankind, and of the way she shared with us in Science and Health the truth that heals. This truth is bringing me into the spiritual freedom that comes from understanding man's true relationship to God. Jesus said (Luke 22:27), "I am among you as he that serveth." Mrs. Eddy, his faithful follower, served, understood, taught, and preached spiritual perfection, revealing our true relationship to our Father-Mother God. I can never express my gratitude sufficiently for all the good I have received.
London, England
