For several weeks I was bothered, especially at mealtimes, by infected gums and tongue. I treated myself through prayer, but I did not make a consecrated effort to heal the condition.
At bedtime one evening the pain increased. I informed my wife, and she helpfully got my Bible, and Science and Health and the other writings of Mrs. Eddy, as well as a Concordance. My wife reminded me there is no infection in man, who is the reflection of divine Love. Then she went to her room, leaving me alone to continue my study and prayerful work, though I knew she was supporting me with her prayer. Using the Concordance, I found some of Mrs. Eddy's references to the word "balm." This was helpful. I turned off my bed light and lay down to go to sleep, after saying to myself the Lord's Prayer and "the scientific statement of being" in Science and Health (see p. 468). But I was soon very uncomfortable. Then this sentence came to thought (Science and Health, p. 393): "Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good."This brought some immediate relief, as I resolutely resisted this intrusion of pain.
I returned to my study and found that sentence in Science and Health. The entire paragraph in which it occurs was relevant and inspiring. But the discomfort continued, so I continued reading.
