More than twenty-five years ago, upon my entering a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, for the first time, I knew my search for a practical and really satisfying religion had ended. I was impressed by the simplicity of the building, the quiet dignity of the ushers, the beauty of the music, and the unpretentious sincerity of those who testified later to the healing power of the Christ, Truth, as explained in the textbook, Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy. These were more than mere impressions made on a youthful mind. They were concrete evidences of Immanuel, or "God with us."
This branch church gave such practical evidence of God's eternal, omnipotent power that I was convinced it was grounded on the rock of Christ, Truth, and I later became a member of it. Since that time God has blessed me beyond measure, I have a lovely family—a fine wife, three daughters, and one son. The children all attend the Christian Science Sunday School, in which I am privileged to serve as a teacher.
We have experienced many physical healings through the study and application of Christian Science. Functional disturbances, colds, sore throat, and effects of accidents have been overcome. Some of these healings were accomplished through our own understanding and some through the help of a Christian Science practitioner.
When our oldest daughter was nine years old, she was taken to the hospital with an acute attack of appendicitis. The physician explained that various laboratory tests confirmed his diagnosis, and he recommended immediate surgery. However, when I spoke to him on the telephone, he agreed to wait until morning before performing the operation. I immediately called a practitioner, whose loving words helped to relieve me of the false sense of parental responsibility. The first verse of the twenty-fourth Psalm was a bulwark of help: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." I prayed and worked far into the night to know man's perfection and oneness, or unity, with our Father-Mother God. The next morning I was overjoyed to hear the doctor say: "I simply don't understand it—that child is well. Additional laboratory tests show she is entirely normal, and she is completely free from pain."
Some time ago our entire family was involved in an automobile accident, which damaged our car beyond repair. Except for me, all were protected from serious injury. X rays taken for insurance purposes showed that I had sustained a double fracture of the pelvis, but we know that in Truth no breakage or dislocation can occur. Mrs. Eddy's statement on page 424 of the textbook, "Under divine Providence there can be no accidents, since there is no room for imperfection in perfection," was a constant source of help to me. Because of the position of the injury, the physicians indicated that use of a cast would be impractical and that several months of complete inactivity would be necessary. No medical care was received.
In four weeks' time I was able to move about the house, and I managed many of my business duties at home. In six weeks I returned to my office, and in eight weeks I walked again without any aid or support whatever. Fellow workers marveled at a recovery many thought would take several months longer. After completing the final X rays for insurance purposes, the X-ray technician expressed surprise that the breaks were so difficult to locate on the negative.
For these and all the other healings with which our family has been blessed, I am sincerely grateful. Mere words can never express the gratitude I feel for Mrs. Eddy, who has presented the real meaning of Christ Jesus' teachings in such a way that today no one need look further for the satisfying truth that makes men free.
Chicago, Illinois
