During my late teens I had recurring bouts with tonsillitis, and a chronic difficulty with both feet. Still, my prayers for myself were spasmodic, although occasionally I had the help of a Christian Science practitioner. When a few years had passed and neither of these conditions had been healed, I decided to find out if they could be corrected surgically. I told myself, "After the medical treatment, I'll be a 'real' Christian Scientist—relying fully on this teaching." However, I was to learn that true healing is always characterized by spiritualization of thought, not by mere human efforts to bring about a physical change.
I did see a physician and underwent two operations, one of which was for the purpose of removing a small growth on a nerve in each foot. After the surgery, supposedly I was cured. But I soon found that symptoms of both conditions were still present. That was the turning point. I was sure there had to be a better way, and consequently I was now willing to depend wholly on Christian Science.
This teaching logically denies the reality of matter by explaining the all-inclusiveness of God, Spirit. On the basis of omnipotent Mind, disease, discord, sin, and mortality are seen as false beliefs and destroyed, and healing takes place. Mrs. Eddy says in Science and Health (p. 463): "There is a law of God applicable to healing, and it is a spiritual law instead of material. The sick are not healed by inanimate matter or drugs, as they believe that they are. Such seeming medical effect or action is that of so-called mortal mind." Further on she explains (p. 492): "Matter can afford you no aid.
