A new friend, upon learning that I was a Christian Scientist, recently asked me, "Is it the Christian Science Church that claims to heal? Do you think I could be healed? What does one have to do to experience a healing?"
I enthusiastically responded to these questions by saying in essence, "The emphatic purpose of the Church of Christ, Scientist, is to heal the sick and the sinning as did the Way-shower, Christ Jesus. Spiritual healing is going on right now, even as we talk, restoring health and harmony to people in all parts of the world. Testimonies relating these healings may be heard in church services every Wednesday." I told my friend that he could indeed receive his freedom, as many had; that healing did not belong to a chosen few but was available to everyone. By attending church services and by a study of the Bible and Science and Health, the Christian Science textbook written by Mrs. Eddy, my friend could naturally expect his freedom and have it.
I pointed out, too, that every church service in itself gives out an atmosphere that heals, and that is its purpose. I said that I have had such healings and I knew many others who had experienced them. I explained that in the Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy writes, "The prayers in Christian Science churches shall be offered for the congregations collectively and exclusively." Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 5. Thus everyone present in the congregation can, and does, receive the benefit of the spiritual thoughts and prayers of the congregation. Everyone is deserving of freedom from difficulties; everyone is worthy of knowing God and man sufficiently to find newness of life and the courage to go forward. To this great end the Apostle Paul once confided, "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." II Cor. 5:4.
