Science and Health was given to the world over one hundred years ago by Mrs. Eddy.
How thankful I am that my mother, who lived in Mrs. Eddy's time, took up the study of Christian Science, and I was born with Christian Science treatment.
During the ensuing years there have been many opportunities to apply my understanding of this healing religion, and through numberless trials and triumphs Truth has always been proved to be the victor.
Two years ago I was healed of yellow jaundice and pneumonia with attendant difficulties. At times it appeared that the organs of my body were not all functioning normally. Then there was a period when it seemed impossible to eat and I lost weight rapidly. I had help from a Christian Science practitioner, and each phase of error was met step by step. When eating seemed impossible, she referred me to the beatitude (Matt. 5:6), "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." This helped turn my thought from contemplating matter and awakened me to realize that, of course, I was always hungering and thirsting for more truth of God and man; always striving to see more clearly man's eternal relationship to God and to understand his wholeness in reflecting qualities of God. Also, I was alerted to realize that I could love my fellowmen and see them clearly as God's beloved.
I took time for daily study of the wonderful Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, as well as searching in the Bible, and Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and her other writings. I also kept abreast of the times with current Christian Science literature, including The Christian Science Monitor. In this way my wakeful hours were gainfully employed, and much inspiration was forthcoming. As the spiritual facts of being became clearer, my coloring was restored all over my body to its normal shade. The perfection of spiritual being was realized and claimed, thus nullifying the so-called laws of mortal mind.
The healing seemed slow, but there were happy hours of spiritual discovery. After many months of fruitful searching, I began to eat normally and put on weight. Gradually I became more steady on my feet and could walk more easily; also, breathing became regulated, and I was free of coughing. The lack of circulation and dizziness disappeared too. Much of my hair had fallen out, and it began to grow in again. All bodily functions became normal, as invigorating truths of spiritual being were held to. It was such a wonderful experience to see each difficulty vanish as God's law of healing harmony was cherished and embraced. Also, I was grateful to have been bedridden only a few days in those long months, although staying up and dressing required much self-discipline.
I can never be grateful enough for my husband's cooperation during this time, since he is not a student of Christian Science. He never, in the darkest hours, tried to persuade me to employ material means as he had on previous occasions, but was most understanding and kind.
The complete healing took place over a period of a year. I was getting along beautifully and thought, "Well, now, this is the end of my difficulties," when a small lump under my breast began to enlarge and become quite painful. Once again the practitioner was contacted and, in about a week, the swelling opened and passed off. This was a great joy, and my husband, too, was thankful for this beautiful healing. During this period the practitioner gave me a most helpful statement by Mrs. Eddy (Unity of Good, p. 60): "This false sense of substance must yield to His eternal presence, and so dissolve." The constant holding to the truth dissolved all beliefs about matter and its claim to act.
Words alone can never fully express my gratitude for Christian Science, and for the spiritual growth that came through this entire experience.
I must add my deep appreciation for Christian Science class instruction, as well as gratitude for the practitioner who stood by me during this trial and tenderly but firmly encouraged me to work, pray, search, and apply the blessed, freeing truth.
I can best conclude this testimony with the words of the Psalmist (Ps. 30:11, 12): "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Carmel, California
