While I was a pupil in the Christian Science Sunday School, a recurring rash on my body troubled me for some months. One evening the symptoms worsened while I was staying overnight with a friend. I endeavored to keep the condition covered and retired early. I did not have my copy of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, with me, nor was it possible for me to telephone a Christian Science practitioner to ask for help. So I prayed, knowing that God was ever with me and that I could not be separated from Truth nor from God's loving care. These words from Science and Health came to mind (p. 495): "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea." This sentence had been brought to my attention on frequent occasions by a Christian Science practitioner who had supported me in times of need and who also was my Sunday School teacher.
The word "illusion" now arrested my attention. An awareness of the absolute nothingness of anything unlike God, good, flooded my consciousness. I saw clearly that the rash was nothing more than a false impression. With this realization came a sense of peace, and I fell asleep. Not until I was traveling home the next day did I remember the circumstances of the previous night. Then I noticed that the rash had vanished. It has never returned.
Three years prior to this healing I had been a devoted member of an orthodox church. When my parents unexpectedly decided to attend the Christian Science church in a nearby town, I was rilled with dismay. I could not understand how people—let alone my parents—believing in and loving God, could change their religion. Despite their many pleadings with me to join them, I refused to leave my church, even for one Sunday. For six weeks the situation continued unchanged, and I became more and more confused.
