One time I had a cold that lingered for several weeks. As spiritually scientific truths were applied, I received intermittent relief and comfort. However, during ensuing weeks each day became more challenging. Exhaustion and pain dogged my footsteps, and I could scarcely dress myself. Nevertheless I persisted in prayer and study of the Bible and Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. A longstanding sense of injustice had burdened me. When healing was not realized, self-condemnation for this feeling overwhelmed me. The physical evidence became acute. Digestion and elimination were disrupted.
During this period I sought help from Christian Science practitioners at various times. At one point it was recommended that I ponder "What Our Leader Says" in The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany by Mrs. Eddy. It begins (p. 210): "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full." And it ends with these sentences: "The right thinker abides under the shadow of the Almighty. His thoughts can only reflect peace, good will towards men, health, and holiness."
In this passage the word "abides" stood out. A dictionary includes this meaning for "abide": "to endure without yielding."
