Many years before taking up the study of Christian Science I was healed by it of a very severe spinal disease. Fearing a doctor would say I needed to be operated upon, my parents called for Christian Science help. In less than a week I was restored to perfect health. At that time I did not question how this healing was done, but was certain it was of God.
The following spring my father, being in ill health and receiving little relief through medical treatments, decided to see a Christian Science practitioner. While under her care he bought a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I commenced reading this book immediately. At that time I took many short train trips, and I always took this book with me, feeling safe with it as a companion. Many times my little boy and I have been healed just through the reading of it.
At one time I went to a Christian Science practitioner for treatments, and she showed me how to study the Lesson-Sermons. I shall never forget that week's lesson. The subject was "Adam and Fallen Man." I had not thought it possible the Bible could be explained with such clearness. It is not strange that I was healed in four treatments.
Christian Science teaches us that "trials are proofs of God's care" (Science and Health, p. 66), for through our trials we find God as our ever present help. One afternoon my husband had left for his work and I was alone with my son, who is but five years old. I had told my husband at noon that I did not feel quite natural, and being rather burdened with material cares I was not as alert as I should have been. In a very short while I was attacked with extreme pain; and before I could reach a chair I had fallen on the floor, feeling much as if I were being smothered. This was seen by the little boy, but he had learned to lean on divine Love; and also through his Sunday school work many truths were ever present with him. I heard him say over and over again, "God is here, God is here;" he also repeated the Lord's Prayer; while to me came these words: "Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good" (Science and Health, p. 393). With the spiritual strength thus realized I arose and telephoned my husband to come home at once. When he reached home he called for help from a practitioner. He then canceled his appointments for the afternoon and sat down to read from Science and Health. He was much frightened, but "perfect love casteth out fear." This storm was not lasting, but it was severe and the pain seemed unbearable; yet it ended in an hour's time. He who trusts in God completely is carried safely through every storm. I soon sat up; and later prepared the evening meal. The next morning we started on a journey, and rode all day. At the depot we were met by relatives. One of them, who is not a Scientist, said to me, "You never looked better." This proof of God's care I hold most dear; I needed instant relief, and it came. I am very thankful for many healings, and hope to grow in the understanding of God so that I may help others as I have been helped.
Christian Science means much to me; and I am grateful to Mrs. Eddy for her unselfish love and toil in giving us this revelation of the Christ, Truth. I am thankful to all who have helped me on my way; and I desire to do my share for this great Cause.— Watertown, S. Dak.
