"Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). This quotation from St. Paul is quoted as the opening sentence of Article VIII, Section 24, under the heading "Testimonials" in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mary Baker Eddy. I wish to add my testimony to the many already given in order to show that through the practice of Christian Science, one can indeed glorify God in body and in spirit.
Christian Science has taught me true values. Since becoming a student of this wonderful truth, I have gained a better evaluation of my time, my money, and even my thinking. My gratitude grows each day for our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and for her priceless gift to mankind. I never cease to marvel at her courage.
Through the application of Christian Science I have experienced many healings, both physical and moral. Some have come about as a result of my own efforts and others with the help of practitioners. Some have been instantaneous, while others have been prolonged as needed lessons were learned along the way.
Before knowing about Christian Science I suffered an injury to the hip joint on my left side. For many years I endured constant pain, which sometimes became most severe. After becoming a student of Science the thought presented itself to me that I no longer needed to endure this pain, because Christian Science heals. Soon after this angel message appeared, I decided that it would be wise to ask help from a Christian Science practitioner.
I had been told that because of the nature of my hip injury an operation would have to be performed if the joint was to function properly. When I voiced this thought to the practitioner, he reminded me that "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebr. 4:12). Wonderful truth! The practitioner continued to work faithfully for me, and when I was tempted to become discouraged or impatient, he showed me the importance of gratitude and joy.
Also at this time the healing messages of Love contained in the hymns in our Christian Science Hymnal were brought to my attention. I studied the Bible Lessons in the Christian Science Quarterly more earnestly than ever and prayed for spiritual discernment. The printed words became alive to me as I began to comprehend their spiritual meaning.
Step by step, the truth of my harmonious existence in God, Mind, became apparent, and I found myself free. No longer did I limp in my walking; no longer did I shun putting my full weight on my left foot. I telephoned the practitioner, and together we rejoiced in this proof of the ever-present healing Christ. Mrs. Eddy writes in the Preface to Science and Health (p. x), "The divine Principle of healing is proved in the personal experience of any sincere seeker of Truth." And certainly it is!
I am grateful to be a member of The Mother Church and to have the opportunity of serving in a branch church. For the spiritual growth that is mine because of this service and for all the avenues through which we can learn about God and man's relationship to Him, I am deeply thankful. I am happy to be a part of our world-wide healing organization and to feel the strength and protection of its enfolding love. My prayer is that I may so live each day that I may be worthy of the name Christian Scientist.— Van Buren, Arkansas.
