CHAPTER XVIII - FRUITAGE PAGE 600 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know
them.- JESUS. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all
pleasing, being fruit- Let us get up early to the vineyards: let us see if
the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates
bud forth. - SOLOMON'S SONG. THOUSANDS of letters could be presented in testimony of
the healing efficacy of Christian Science and particularly concerning the
vast number of people who have been reformed and healed through the
perusal or study of this book. For the assurance and encouragement of the reader, a few
of these letters are here republished from THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE JOURNAL
and CHRISTIAN SCIENCE SENTINEL. The originals are in the possession of the
Editor, who can authenticate the testimonials which follow.
RHEUMATISM HEALED I was a great sufferer from a serious form of rheumatic
trouble, my hands being affected to such an extent that it was impossible
for me even to dress without assistance. The trouble finally reached the
knees, and I became very lame and had to be assisted in and out of bed. I
went to the different health resorts for the benefit I hoped to derive
from the baths and waters that were prescribed by PAGE 601 physicians, but found no permanent relief. I was placed
under an X-ray examination, and was told that the joints were becoming
ossified. I then consulted a celebrated specialist, who after a thorough
examination said my condition would continue to grow worse and that I
would become completely helpless. At that time a copy of "Science and Health with Key to
the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy was loaned me. I read it more from curiosity
than with the thought of any physical benefit. As the truth was unfolded
to me, I realized that the mental condition was what needed correcting,
and that the Spirit of truth which inspired this book was my physician. My
healing is complete, and the liberation in thought is manifest in a life
of active usefulness rather than the bondage of helpless invalidism and
suffering. I owe to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, gratitude which words
cannot express. Her revelation of the practical rather than the merely
theoretical application of Jesus' words, "Ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free," proved to be my redeemer. I did not even have
to apply to a practitioner, but am most grateful for the helpful words of
loving friends. - E. B. B., Pasadena, Cal. ASTIGMATISM AND HERNIA HEALED It is nearly five years since I bought my first copy of
Science and Health, the reading of which cured me of chronic constipation,
nervous headache, astigmatism, and hernia, in less than four
months. Where would I be now, had not this blessed truth been
brought to me by much persuasion of a very dear friend? PAGE 602 I certainly should have been deep in the slough of
despond, if not in the grave. Am I truly thankful for all the good that
has come to me and mine? I try to let my works testify of that; but to
those whom I do not meet in person, I can truly say, Yes; I am indeed more
thankful than words can express for the glorious healing that has come to
me, both physical, mental, and moral, and I also convey herein, my song of
gratitude to the dear Leader who has through her fidelity to Truth enabled
me to touch at least the hem of Christ's garment. - B. S. J., Sioux City,
Iowa. SUBSTANCE OF LUNGS RESTORED It was about fifteen years ago that Christian Science
first came to my notice. At that time I had been a chronic invalid for a
good many years. I had acute bowel trouble, bronchitis, and a number of
other troubles. One physician had told me that my lungs were like wet
paper, ready to tear at any time, and I was filled with fear, as my
mother, two brothers, and a sister had been victims of consumption. I
tried many physicians and every material remedy that promised help, but no
help came until I found a copy of Mrs. Eddy's book, Science and Health.
The book was placed in my hands by one who did not then appreciate it, and
I was told that it would be hard for me to understand it. I commenced
reading it with this thought, but I caught beautiful glimpses of Truth,
which took away my fear and healed me of all those diseases, and they have
never returned. I would also like to tell how I was healed of a
sprained PAGE 603 ankle. The accident occurred in the morning, and all that
day and during the night I gave myself Christian Science treatment, as
best I could. The next morning it seemed to be no better, being very sore,
badly swollen, and much discolored. Feeling that I had done all I could, I
decided to stop thinking about it. I took my copy of Science and Health
and began reading. Very soon I became so absorbed in the book that I
forgot all about my ankle; it went entirely out of my thought, for I had a
glimpse of all God's creation as spiritual, and for the time being lost
sight of my material selfhood. After two hours I laid the book down and
walked into another room. When next I thought of my ankle, I found it was
not hurting me. The swelling had gone down, the black and blue appearance
had nearly vanished, and it was perfectly well. It was healed while I was
"absent from the body" and "present with the Lord." This experience was
worth a great deal to me, for it showed me how the healing is done. - C.
H., Portland, Ore. FIBROID TUMOR HEALED IN A FEW DAYS My gratitude for Christian Science is boundless. I was
afflicted with a fibroid tumor which weighed not less than fifty pounds,
attended by a continuous hemorrhage for eleven years. The tumor was a
growth of eighteen years. I lived in Fort Worth, Tex., and I had never heard of
Christian Science before leaving there for Chicago in the year 1887. I had
tried to live near to God, and I feel sure He guided me in all my steps to
this healing and saving truth. After being there several
weeks PAGE 604 I received letters from a Texas lady who had herself been
healed, and who wrote urging me to try Christian Science. Changing my
boarding-place, I met a lady who owned a copy of Science and Health, and
in speaking to her of having seen the book, she informed me she had one,
and she got it and told me I could read it. The revelation was marvelous
and brought a great spiritual awakening. This awakened sense never left
me, and one day when walking alone it came to me very suddenly that I was
healed, and I walked the faster declaring every step that I was healed.
When I reached my boarding-place, I found my hostess and told her I was
healed. She looked the picture of amazement. The tumor began to disappear
at once, the hemorrhage ceased, and perfect strength was
manifest. There was no joy ever greater than mine for this
Christ-cure, for I was very weary and heavy laden. I thought very little
of either sleeping or eating, and my heart was filled with gratitude,
since I knew I had touched the hem of his garment. I must add that the reading of Science and Health, and
that alone, healed me, and it was the second copy I ever saw. - S. L.,
Fort Worth, Tex. INSANITY AND EPILEPSY HEALED While an inmate of the State asylum for the insane at
Middletown, Conn., an epileptic, and at times confined to my bed with
bilious attacks, pronounced incurable by the doctors (at least six in
number), the book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mrs.
Eddy was PAGE 605 placed in my hands. After reading a few pages, I became
very much impressed with the truth therein stated, and although I was
surrounded with opposition, I knew that "underneath are the everlasting
arms." Since that time - past the middle of the year 1899 - I have kept
pressing on, until I have been healed by reading Science and Health. At
times I was beset by what seemed unconquerable opposition, until the first
week in October, 1904, when, upon going to my home in Darien for a visit,
I was given my liberty, and I am now earning my living in this city. After
having been subject to epileptic attacks since 1892, and at one time
pronounced dying by the doctor in charge, I am now well. I have had no
fit, or symptoms of any, since the first week in May, 1904. I trust that this testimony to the healing power of
Truth, realized by reading Science and Health (for I had no treatment),
may reach the eye of some to whom the battle seems long, and inspire them
with fresh courage and a realization of the worth of the victory. I am
filled with inexpressible gratitude and love to God, and to Mrs. Eddy. -
Mrs. B. B. C., Stamford, Conn. A CASE OF MENTAL SURGERY I have felt for some time I should give my experience in
mental surgery. In May, 1902, going home for lunch, on a bicycle, and
while riding down a hill at a rapid gait, I was thrown from the wheel, and
falling on my left side with my arm under my head, the bone was broken
about half-way between the shoulder and elbow. While the pain was intense,
I lay still in the dust, PAGE 606 declaring the truth and denying that there could be a
break or accident in the realm of divine Love, until a gentleman came to
assist me, saying, he thought I had been stunned. I was only two and a
half blocks from home, so I mounted my wheel again and managed to reach
it. On arriving there I lay down and asked my little boy to bring me our
textbook. He immediately brought Science and Health, which I read for
about ten minutes, when all pain left. I said nothing to my family of the accident, but attended
to some duties and was about half an hour late in returning to the office,
this being my only loss of time from work. My friends claimed that the arm
had not been broken, as it would have been impossible for me to continue
my work without having it set, and carrying it in a sling until the bone
knit together. Their insistence almost persuaded me that I might have been
mistaken, until one of my friends invited me to visit a physician's office
where they were experimenting with an X-ray machine. The physician was
asked to examine my left arm to see if it differed from the ordinary. On
looking through it, he said, "Yes, it has been broken, but whoever set it
made a perfect job of it, and you will never have any further trouble from
that break." My friend then asked the doctor to show how he could tell
where the break had been. The doctor pointed out the place as being
slightly thicker at that part, like a piece of steel that had been welded.
This was the first of several cases of mental surgery that have come under
my notice, and it made a deep impression on me. PAGE 607 For the benefit of others who may have something similar
to meet, I will say that I have overcome almost constant attacks of sick
headaches, extending back to my earliest recollection. - L. C. S., Salt
Lake City, Utah. CATARACT QUICKLY CURED I wish to add my testimony to those of others, and hope
that it may be the means of bringing some poor sufferer to health, to
happiness, and to God. I was healed through simply reading this wonderful
book, Science and Health. I had been troubled periodically for many years
with sore eyes, and had been to many doctors, who called the disease
iritis and cataract. They told me that my eyes would always give me
trouble, and that I would eventually lose my sight if I remained in an
office, and advised me to go under an operation. Later on I had to wear
glasses at my work, also out of doors as I could not bear the winds, and
my eyes were gradually becoming worse. I could not read for longer than a
few minutes at a time, otherwise they would smart severely. I had to rest
my eyes each evening to enable me to use them the next day; in fact
gas-light was getting unbearable because of the pain, and I made home
miserable. A dear brother told me about Christian Science, and said that
if I would read Science and Health it would help me. He procured for me
the loan of the book. The first night I read it, it so interested me I
quite forgot all about my eyes until my wife remarked that it was eleven
o'clock. I found that I had been reading this book for nearly four hours,
and I remarked immediately after, "I believe my eyes are cured," which was
really PAGE 608 the case. The next day, on looking at my eyes, my wife
noticed that the cataract had disappeared. I put away my outdoor glasses,
which I have not required since, and through the understanding gained by
studying Christian Science I have been able to do away with my indoor
glasses also, and have had no return of pain in my eyes since. This is now
a year and a half ago. - G. F. S., Liverpool, England. VALVULAR HEART DISEASE HEALED Fourteen years ago my heart awoke to gratitude to God and
the dear Leader at the same time. After a patient and persistent effort of
three months' duration, to procure a copy of Science and Health (during
which time I had visited every bookstore, and many of the second-hand
bookstores in the city of St. Paul), and had failed to find it, I at last
remembered that the stranger who told me I might be healed, had mentioned
a name, and McVicker's Theatre Building in Chicago as being in some way
connected with the work. I sent there for information regarding a book
called Health and Science, and the return mail brought me the book,
Science and Health, and in it I at once found sure promise of deliverance
from valvular heart disease, with all the accompaniments, such as extreme
nervousness, weakness, dyspepsia, and insomnia. I had suffered from these
all my life, finding no permanent relief, even, in material remedies, and
no hope of cure at any time. Only those who have been healed in such
bondage and have been liberated by the same means, can know the eager joy
of the first perusal of that wonderful book. PAGE 609 Half a day's reading convinced me that I had found the
way to holiness and health. I read on, thinking only of the spiritual
enlightenment, content to wait until I should be led to some person who
would heal me; but old things had passed away, and all things had become
new. I was completely healed before I had met a Scientist, or one who knew
anything about Christian Science, and before I had read a line of any
other Christian Science literature except one leaf of a tract; so it is
absolutely certain that the healing was entirely impersonal, as was also
the teaching, which enabled me to begin at once demonstrating the power of
Truth to destroy all forms of error. - E. J. W., North Yakima,
Wash. THE TRUE PHYSICIAN FOUND It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I send the
particulars of my healing through Christian Science. While visiting
friends in the southwestern part of Ontario, about three years ago, my
attention was called to Christian Science and the wonderful healing it was
doing. I had lived in New York for twenty-five years, but had never heard
of Christian Science before, to my recollection. Up to that time, for seventeen years, I had suffered with
indigestion and gastritis in the worst form, often being overcome from a
seeming pressure against the heart. I had asthma for four years, also had
worn glasses for four years. It seemed to me that I had swallowed every
known medicine to relieve my indigestion, but they only gave me temporary
benefit. I purchased a copy of Science and Health, and simply from the
reading of that PAGE 610 grand book I was completely healed of all my physical
ailments in two weeks' time. I have used no medicine from that day to
this, and with God's help, and the wonderful light revealed to me through
the reading of Mrs. Eddy's book, I never expect to again. I used to smoke
eight or ten cigars a day, and also took an occasional drink, but the
desire for these has gone, - I feel forever. I travel on the road, and am
constantly being invited to indulge, but it is no effort to abstain, and
in many instances I find that my refusal helps others. While I fully appreciate the release from my physical
troubles, this pales into insignificance in comparison with the spiritual
uplifting Christian Science has brought me. I had not been inside a church
for more than ten years, to attend regular services, until I entered a
Christian Science church. What I saw and realized there, seemed so genuine
that I loved Christian Science from the very start. I have never taken a
treatment, - every inch of the way has been through study and practical
demonstration, and I know that all can do the same thing if they will
try. Since I have been in Science I have overcome a case of
ulcerated tooth in one night through the reading of Science and Health;
also a severe attack of grip in thirty-six hours by obeying the Scripture
saying, "Physician, heal thyself." - B. H. N., New York, N.
Y. CANCER AND CONSUMPTION HEALED I was a great sufferer for many years from internal
cancer and consumption. I was treated by the best of PAGE 611 physicians in New York, Minneapolis, and Duluth, and was
finally given up as incurable, when I heard of Christian Science. A
neighbor who had been healed of consumption, kindly loaned me Science and
Health by Mrs. Eddy, which I read and became interested in. In three
months' time, I was healed, the truth conveyed to me by this book being
the healer, and not only of these diseases, but I was made whole mentally
as well. I have not been in bed one day since, or rather in eleven years.
I have had many good demonstrations during this time, have passed through
many a "fiery trial," but this blessed truth has caused me to stand, at
times seemingly alone, and God was with me. I will mention a demonstration of painless childbirth
which I have had since coming to Idaho. Perhaps it may help some sister
who is looking through the Journal for a demonstration of this
kind, as I was before my baby came. Good help being scarce here, I did my
housework up to the time I was confined, and was in perfect health. I
awoke my husband one morning at five o'clock, and at half past five baby
was born, no one being present but my husband and myself. It was quite a
surprise to the rest of the family to see me sitting by the fire with a
new baby on my lap. My son got the breakfast, of which I ate heartily; at
noon I joined the family in the dining-room. I was out on the porch the
second day, around the yard the third day, and have been perfectly well
ever since, which has been now over three years. To one who had previously
passed through agony untold, with a physician in attendance, this seemed
wonderful. I hope this will interest some one who is seeking the truth,
and I wish to express my sincere love for our beloved PAGE 612 Leader, who has given us the " Key to the Scriptures." -
E. C. C., Lewiston, Idaho. A REMARKABLE CASE Nine years ago my only child was hovering between life
and death. Some of the best physicians in Boston had pronounced his case
incurable, saying that if he lived he would always be an invalid and a
cripple. One of the diseases was gastric catarrh. He was allowed to eat
but very few things, and even after taking every precaution, he suffered
to the extent that he would lie in spasms for half a day. He also had
rickets; physicians saying that there was not a natural bone in his
body. It was while he was in what seemed to be his greatest
agony, and when I was in the darkest despair, that I first heard of
Christian Science. The bearer of the joyful tidings could only tell me to
come and hear of the wonderful things that Christian Science was doing. I
accepted the invitation, for I was willing to try anything to save my
child, and the following Friday evening I attended my first meeting, which
was in The Mother Church of Christ, Scientist. Long before the service
began every seat was filled, which was amazing to me, being an ordinary
weekly meeting, and that night I realized from the testimonies given that
Christian Science was the religion for which I had been searching for
years. The next day I went to find a practitioner, but was unable to get
the one who had been recommended, he being too busy. On my way home I
thought of some of the testimonies which I had heard the night before, -
of people being PAGE 613 healed by simply reading Science and Health. I resolved
at once to borrow a copy, and not dreaming of the sacrifice that my friend
would make by conferring such a favor, I went and asked her for a loan of
Science and Health. I never saw any one part so reluctantly with a book as
my friend did with her copy of the textbook. I read it silently and audibly, day and night, in my
home, and although I could not seem to understand it, yet the healing
commenced to take place at once. The little mouth which had been twisted
by spasms grew natural and the child was soon able to be up, playing and
romping about the house as any child should. About this time we decided to
move to the far West. I was young in Science at the time, and my husband
greatly feared that the journey would cause a relapse for the child, but
instead, he continued to improve. I constantly read the Bible, Science and
Health, and Miscellaneous Writings, the two weeks we traveled, and we were
the only ones in our car who, throughout the journey, did not get train
sick. The child's limbs grew perfectly straight, he ate anything he
wanted, and for years he has been a natural, healthy child in every way.
He has passed through some of the worst forms of contagion untouched and
unharmed. I had been reading Science and Health several months,
before I gave any thought to myself and my numerous complaints. I had
never been very strong, and some of my ailments were supposed to be
hereditary and chronic, hence I dragged through many tedious years with a
belief in medical laws and hereditary laws resting upon me. PAGE 614 Just before I commenced reading Science and Health I
spent a half day in having my eyes examined by one of the leading oculists
in Boston. His verdict was that my eyes were in a dreadful condition, and
that I would always need to wear glasses. In the meantime I commenced to
read Science and Health, and when I thought of my eyes, I had no need for
glasses. The years that I have been in Science I have used my eyes
incessantly, night as well as day, doing all kinds of trying work and
without requiring the aid of glasses. I was healed of all my complaints
whilst seeking the truth for my child, and many of them have never
returned. Those that appeared simply came to the surface to be destroyed.
Teeth have been restored and facial blemishes removed, unconsciously,
simply by reading Science and Health. All of this is, however, nothing to
compare with the spiritual uplifting which I have received, and I have
everything to be thankful for. - M. T. W., Los Angeles,
Cal. INTENSE SUFFERING OVERCOME For about five years I was afflicted with sciatic
rheumatism, in such a severe form that my body was drawn out of shape.
When able to be around, I walked with the assistance of a cane. The
attacks were periodical, recurring every few months; any exposure to rain
or dampness would bring one. At one time I was in bed eleven weeks,
suffering intensely all the time except when relieved by hypodermic
injections. When I had these attacks, my regular physician was always in
attendance. My daughter consulted another physician, who said
there PAGE 615 would have to be an operation which would include the
exposing and scraping of the sciatic nerve. There was also another
physician who, knowing of the case, examined my heart and claimed that it
was weak and that I was liable to pass on at any time from heart
trouble. After suffering three years I heard of Christian Science,
but did not avail myself of it for two years, when I decided to give up
all other means and rely wholly upon it. It was not convenient to call a
practitioner, so I took Science and Health and applied its teachings as
best I could. In three days the trouble completely left me and there has
never been the slightest return. My health has been good ever since, and I
am at present in perfect physical health. I have been benefited in every
way by Christian Science, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and would
not be without my understanding of it for anything. - Mrs. E. A. K.,
Billings, Mont. HEALED OF RHEUMATISM AND BRIGHT'S DISEASE I am very thankful to God for what He has done for me. I
was suddenly left alone, with many troubles and trials, and I took up the
study of the Bible. I was trying to understand it, prior to joining some
church, as it seemed to me this would be expected. I had attended all
sorts of churches from my childhood up, but never could find any that met
my need. As time passed on, my condition became very alarming. Sciatic
rheumatism, that had troubled me for some years, became so severe I could
scarcely do anything. PAGE 616 Then there appeared some complications, so distressing
that I was unable to walk far, and had to sit down frequently by the way.
I thought I had Bright's disease, - such excruciating pains, no tongue
could tell my sufferings. With all these things upon me, death seemed very
near. I had never joined any church, and I thought it now too late, as I
would have to wait six months on probation, and I would be dead before
that. About this time I made some inquiries of my sister in
reference to Christian Science, as she had already turned to that faith,
and I soon found that it was just what I had been looking for. I saw at
once that it declared the truth and nothing but the truth. I commenced
reading Science and Health, also the New Testament. I wanted to find out
what Jesus said, as I did not expect then to live long. I did not go to
the meetings, nor did I read Science and Health to be cured, - not
thinking of that, - but to be saved from an everlasting hell hereafter. My
sister urged me to have a practitioner, but I kept on reading, and praying
to God in silence, and what happened? Where had the diseases gone? I
persisted in reading Science and Health, together with the Bible, with the
knowledge that God as revealed by Christ Jesus can do everything, that He
made everything that was made, that He can and does heal the afflicted. He
has healed me, thanks to His most holy name. - G. J. H., Charleston,
Ill. GRATEFUL FOR MANY BLESSINGS In the year 1901, Christian Science found me a hopeless
invalid. I had suffered for seven years previous with a very painful back,
the result of an operation. I could PAGE 617 get no rest or sleep at night, as I could not lie down,
but had to sit propped in a chair with pillows around me. Only those who
have suffered as I did can know the full misery of it. I had come to the
end of material means and never hoped to get well. One day, however, while
out walking, it was my good fortune to come to a Christian Scientist's
house, and there the teaching was explained to me. I was advised to buy
Science and Health, which I did, and the study of this book has healed my
back entirely. Christian Science has also cured me of long-standing
catarrh of the throat, and neuralgia with which I had been afflicted from
childhood. Before coming into Science I had doctored with three of the
best physicians in Seattle, but none could give me relief. I am no longer a sufferer, but rejoice exceedingly in
Christian Science. God's promise has been fulfilled to me, " But unto you
that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his
wings." - E. O., Georgetown, Wash. FREED FROM NEURASTHENIC AND OTHER TROUBLES Christian Science found in me a minister's son who had
failed to profit by continuous teaching in the old thought. Some years ago
I was pronounced by a professor of materia medica, whose works are
in general use, a neurasthenic. I had been in this condition more or less
for eight years, and up to two years ago, when Christian Science was first
brought to my attention (thanks to Almighty God) through a kind friend, I
was almost constantly taking medicine and had in all eleven physicians who
undoubtedly did their best, but without avail, not- PAGE 618 withstanding almost all known drugs were prescribed, and
further I had tried very many patent medicines. I was also put through
forms of hygienic treatment and other things that offered inducements. At
the time of coming into Science I was taking three times daily forty
minims of cod-liver oil and three of creosote, also three drops of
Fowler's solution of arsenic, and on the month or so previous had bought
eighteen dollars' worth of patent medicine. I was restricted to the
simplest means of diet, - all stews, fries, sweets, berries, and tomatoes
I had not touched for two years. I started to read Science and Health, and before I had
half finished the book once I was eating everything that any one does. I
read the book eleven times straight ahead and many times skipping about.
The book has done the work and I am a well man. - C. E. M., Philadelphia,
Pa. MANY ILLS OVERCOME I have received much help, spiritually and physically,
through Christian Science. I had what the doctors diagnosed as muscular
rheumatism, dropsy, and constipation of thirty years' standing. A dear
friend whom I had known as an invalid had been healed by Christian Science
and advised me to read Science and Health. I did so, having a desire to
know the truth. One of my troubles was that I could not sleep. I began
reading the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, and troubles of
every kind disappeared before I had read Science and Health through. The
thought came, What about the old remedies? but truth prevailed, and I took
all the PAGE 619 material remedies I had and threw them away. That was
seven years ago, and I have not had any use for them since. My husband was
healed of the tobacco habit of fifty years' standing, also of kidney
trouble, by reading Science and Health. I have not words to express the
gratitude I feel to-day for the many blessings that have come to our home.
- Mrs. M. K. O., Seattle, Wash. A HELPFUL HEALING I became interested in Christian Science about eleven
years ago, and was healed of neuralgia of the stomach, from which I had
suffered from a child. As I grew older, the spells became more frequent
and more severe; the only relief physicians could give me was by
hypodermic injections of morphine. Finally, after each spell, I would be
prostrated for a day or two with the after-effect of the morphine. I was
entirely healed of this trouble through the study of Science and Health. I
think I never realized what fear meant until I began to try and put into
practice my understanding of Christian Science for my children. I have
proved, however, many times, that fear can neither help nor hinder in our
demonstration of truth. The first time I realized this was in the
overcoming of a severe case of croup for my little boy. I was awakened one
night by the sound that seems to bring terror to every mother's heart, and
found the little fellow sitting up in bed, gasping for breath. I got up,
took him in my arms, and went into the next room. My first thought was, "O
if only there was another Christian Scientist in town!" But there was not,
and the work must be done and done quickly. I tried PAGE 620 to treat him, but was so frightened I could not think; so
I picked up Science and Health, which lay on the table beside me, and
began reading aloud. I had read but a few lines when these words came to
me as though a voice spoke, "The word of God is quick, and powerful, and
sharper than any two-edged sword." Almost immediately after, the little
one said, "Mamma, sing 'Shepherd,' " - our Leader's hymn, that both the
big and the little children love. I began singing, and commencing with the
second line, the little voice joined me. I shall never forget the feeling
of joy and peace that came over me, when I realized how quickly God's
word, through Science and Health and the beautiful hymn, had accomplished
the healing work. This is only one of many instances in which the power of
God's word to heal has been demonstrated in our home. - A. J. G.,
Riverside, Cal. RELIEF FROM MANY ILLS Paul said, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind." In my own case deafness has been overcome by an enlarged
understanding of God's word, as explained by Mrs. Eddy in Science and
Health. Many times I have been enabled to turn to God, to know it was His
will to help in trouble, and obtained the needed benefit. Catarrh has
disappeared; tonsilitis, which very frequently laid me aside from duties
in the schoolroom and home, is no longer manifest. When temptation comes
(for Christian Science is both preventive and curative), I turn to that
wonderful book, Science and Health, and my precious Bible, grown dearer
since read in the new light PAGE 621 of spiritual understanding, until I know that my mind is
renewed, because the action is changed and the inflammation has
abated. Thus in my experience in Christian Science, I have seen
the transformation begun, and Truth is able to perfect that which is begun
in me so gloriously. - Mrs. C.A. McL., Brooklyn, Nova Scotia. HEALTH AND PEACE ATTAINED For fifteen years I was a great sufferer physically and
mentally. Eminent physicians treated me for hereditary consumption, torpid
liver, and many other diseases. I sought relief at famous springs, the
ozone of Florida, and the pure air of Colorado, but in vain. My life was
one ceaseless torture. During all this time, however, I was an earnest seeker
after Truth. I examined every religious teaching with a calm and
unprejudiced attention. From an orthodox Protestant I became a skeptic,
and a follower of Voltaire, Tom Paine, and Ingersoll; yet all the while I
retained faith in a supreme intelligent Being who made all. Sick, weary,
doubting, and despairing, I accidentally went into a Christian Science
church in New York City, on a Wednesday evening, not knowing what kind of
a place it was. Seeing a large number of people going into the building, I
followed, supposing that a marriage ceremony had attracted the crowd.
Being informed it was their regular Wednesday evening service, I inquired
as to the denomination. I concluded that it was another new fad, but after
investigation I procured a copy of Science and Health, promising I would
read it carefully. I began PAGE 622 reading the book on Tuesday and finished on Friday of the
same week. I was still in the dark. I laid the book down, involuntarily
closed my eyes, and silently prayed to God. I remained in that attitude a few moments, when I felt
like the mariner who had been tossed for days upon a boisterous sea, the
clouds bending low, the billows rolling high, all nature wrapped in
darkness; in his despair he kneels and commits his soul to God, when he
suddenly beholds the North Star breaking through the clouds, enabling him
to guide his ship to the shores of safety. Many things were made plain to
me. I saw that there is one Fatherhood of God and one brotherhood of man;
that though "once I was blind, now I see;" that there was no more pain,
nor aches, no fear, nor indigestion. I slept that night like a babe and
awoke next morning refreshed. There are now no traces whatever of my
former complaint and I feel like a new being. - L. P., New York, N.
Y. HEALTH AND PEACE GAINED About nine years ago I was drawn to Christian Science by
a relative whose many afflictions had given place to health and harmony,
and whose loving gratitude was reflected in every word and deed. The
thought came to me, God indeed healeth all our diseases. My first reading of Science and Health was without
understanding. I was full of darkness and gloom, and it was laid aside for
a time. The good seed had been sown, however, and erelong the reading was
resumed, PAGE 623 and with such interest that my afflictions disappeared
"like mist before the morning sun." Asthma (thought to be hereditary),
neuralgia in an aggravated form, and besides these, the tobacco and liquor
habit of many years' standing left me. Bless the Lord, "He sent his word"
and healed me, - for the reading of Science and Health brought to my
consciousness the truth that makes free. - S., Shellman, Ga. CONSUMPTION QUICKLY CURED I became interested in Christian Science nearly five
years ago through the healing of my wife of what the doctors called
consumption in its last stages. I had tried everything that I could get in
the way of materia medica, and every doctor would tell me nearly
the same story about the case. At last they recommended for her only a
higher, drier climate, and when she would be at her worst to give her
something to quiet her. I tried different climates, but she was no better, indeed
worse. At last she struggled along until the first of March, 1899. She had
taken to her bed again. For two days and nights she suffered, and I called
a physician. He came and diagnosed the case, and said that he could do
nothing for her but give her some morphine tablets to make her rest. I
gave her two of them according to direction, and just before the time to
give her the third, she called me to her bedside, and said, " Don't give
me any more of that stuff, for it does me more harm than good," so I
turned and placed them in the fire, though I did not then know anything
about Christian Science. We had heard of it, but PAGE 624 that was all. I gave her the last tablet at eight o'clock
that night, and about nine o'clock the next day a lady who had been healed
in Christian Science visited her, and introduced her to this great truth.
She accepted it and thought she would try it. The lady loaned her Science
and Health. She got the book about ten o'clock that day and read it until
dinner was called. She ate a hearty dinner, the first in about three days,
and that same evening she dressed herself, walked into the dining-room,
ate a hearty supper and enjoyed it. She slept well that night. She
borrowed this lady's copy of Science and Health two hours each day for
eight days, and was healed. The first day that she read Science and Health
she weighed about ninety-five pounds. Three months later she weighed one
hundred and thirty-five pounds. - A. J. D., Houston, Tex. A PROFITABLE STUDY It may help others to know that some one was really
healed of severe illness through Christian Science. It is over nine years
since we first became interested in the Science, and it would be hard to
find a healthier person than I am now. I can go all day, from morning till
night, upheld by the thought that "they that wait upon the Lord shall
renew their strength." I can truly say that I scarcely know what physical
weariness is any more. Before I came into Science the physicians said that
one lung was gone, and that the other was affected with tuberculosis; so,
from their standpoint, there was little left for me to hope for. We had
tried every remedy that they had suggested. I had PAGE 625 gone to the mountains, but could not stay there on
account of the altitude; and when they did not know what else to do, they
said we would better go to England - that the ocean air would be
beneficial. So we spent three months in the British Isles, and when I came
back I seemed much better, but this only lasted a short time. In little
more than a month I was worse than ever, and my mother was told that I had
but a few weeks, or at most months, to live. At that time, a lady, a stranger to us, suggested that we
try Christian Science. There was no prejudice against it, as we did not
even know what it was. We knew of no Scientists in the Western town where
we were living, and when we were told that we could send to Kansas City
for absent treatment, we thought it was absurd. We were then told that
many people had been healed through the reading of the Christian Science
textbook, Science and Health, and to us this seemed a little worse than
the absent treatment, but as we had tried everything we had heard of up to
that time, my mother sent for the book. It came in the middle of October and we began to read it
together. It seemed to me from the first that it was something I had
always believed, but did not know how to express - it seemed such a
natural thing. My improvement was very gradual, but I felt I was
recovering. After the Christmas holidays I started in at school and went
the whole term without missing a day, - something I had never done before.
I finished my school course without missing a day - in fact, I have not
spent a day in bed since that time. I feel absolutely certain that I have
two sound, healthy lungs now. The hollows PAGE 626 in my chest have filled out, and I breathe perfectly on
both sides; rarely have a cold to meet, and have not a sign of a
cough. People sometimes say, "Oh, well, maybe you never had
consumption." Well, I had all the symptoms, and they are every one gone
through the reading of Science and Health. - E. L. B., Chicago,
Ill. HEALED OF INFIDELITY AND MANY PHYSICAL ILLS I feel compelled to write my testimony and hope that I
may be accepted as one more witness to the Truth as contained in Science
and Health with Key to the Scriptures. In the year 1883 I first heard of Christian Science. I
was sitting in a saloon in Leadville, Col., reading a daily paper of that
place. My eyes lighted upon an article which spoke of some peculiar people
in Boston who claimed to have discovered how to heal as Jesus healed. I do
not remember much of the article, but those words stayed with
me. I had drifted out to Colorado from New York City (my
home), where I had been under the treatment of many leading physicians.
The last one, who was too honest to take my money knowing that he could
not cure me, advised me to keep away from doctors and quit taking
medicine, as nothing but death could cure me. My trouble was pronounced by
some to be Bright's disease, by others gravel on the kidneys with very
acute inflammation of the bladder and prostate gland. In the spring of 1888 my wife and myself were spending
the evening at the house of a gentleman whose wife had been healed in the
East by Christian Science. The PAGE 627 gentleman took a book from its bookcase saying, "Here is
a work on Christian Science." It proved to be Science and Health. I knew
as soon as I had read the title-page that this was the very book we
wanted. We immediately sent for the book, and when it arrived we obeyed
the angel and feasted on it. I was very much prejudiced against the Bible,
and my first demonstration over self was to consent to read the four
Gospels. My wife bought me a New Testament and I began to read it. What a
change came over me! All my prejudice was gone in an instant! When I read
the Master's words, I caught his meaning and the lesson he tried to
convey. It was not difficult for me to accept the whole Bible, for I could
not help myself, I was just captured. The disease with which I had been
troubled for years tormented me worse than ever for about six months, as
if trying to turn me aside; but I lost all fear of it. I kept up my study of Science and Health and the disease
disappeared. I can honestly say that Science and Health was my only
healer, and it has been my only teacher. - R. A. C., Los Angeles,
Cal. DISEASED EYES CURED Christian Science came to me when I was a wreck, my body
being completely covered with sores. My eyes were very bad, so that I sat
in a darkened room for weeks together, most of the time in bed under
opiates. The home doctor and a specialist said the disease of the eyes
could not be cured, though they might help me for a while. I had one
operation, and the doctor said if I took cold I would become totally
blind. My suffering was beyond telling. PAGE 628 A clergyman called almost every day, and sat by my bed
and wept, and my good, kind doctor shed tears many times. Finally, after a
year of this terrible suffering, I was sent to Indiana, to a sister who
had been healed of lung trouble by Christian Science. The first day I was
there she read to me from the Bible and from "Science and Health with Key
to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and I was healed. I knew that God was no
respecter of persons, and when I saw what had been done for my sister, who
was changed from being a mere frame to a strong, robust, healthy,
rosy-cheeked woman, the cough all gone, I said, "God has as much for me,
if I will accept it." I was healed instantaneously by Christian Science,
and am thankful to God for giving us this understanding through Mrs. Eddy,
our beloved Leader. I am now in perfect health. - Mrs. F. S., Laurel,
Miss. THE TEXTBOOK HEALED ME For twelve years previous to the fall of 1897 I had been
under the care of a physician much of the time. Different opinions were
given by them, as to the nature of the trouble, some diagnosing it as an
abnormal growth, etc. I was healed through reading" Science and Health
with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. It was a clear case of
transformation of the body by the renewal of the mind. I am perfectly well
at the present time. - J. M. H., Omaha, Neb. OBSTINATE STOMACH TROUBLE HEALED There is no doubt that by far the greater number come to
Christian Science by the way of physical healing, but PAGE 629 there are those to whom this does not particularly
appeal. In the hope that it may be of benefit to some such, and in
gratitude for help received, I submit my own experience. Three years ago I
knew nothing of Christian Science, aside from the knowledge gathered from
the daily papers and current literature. When I thought of the subject at
all, it was to class Christian Science with various human theories with
which I could not be in sympathy, for they seemed to rely upon both good
and evil. I had never known of a case of healing, had never read the
textbook or heard of the Journal or Sentinel, but I would
sometimes see people going into the Christian Science church. I was tired
of trying to find anything satisfactory in religious belief, for it seemed
as if God either could not or would not bring into harmony the terrible
conditions existing in human society. I had quit using any form of prayer
except the Lord's Prayer, and even then omitted the words "lead us not
into temptation." How I longed to know just a little of the "why?" and
"wherefore?" of it all. Here is where Christian Science found me. I was thrown in
contact with a dear friend of whom I had seen very little for a year or
more, a thoroughly educated woman and a thinker. She told me she had taken
some treatments in Christian Science for a physical trouble, and had
become very much interested in the study of "Science and Health with Key
to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. She asked me if I would like to look at
the book, and I said I would be glad to do so. The first chapter,
"Prayer," appealed to me from the first, and when I came to Mrs. Eddy's
spiritual sense of the Lord's Prayer (Science and Health, p. 17), my
interest was fully aroused. I knew that in a dim way I was learning what
it means to "pray PAGE 630 without ceasing." Very soon I bought a book of my own,
and with the help of our Lesson-Sermons, as given in the Quarterly,
I began in earnest the study of Science and Health, in connection with
the Bible. I stood very much in need of physical healing at this
time, having suffered for several years from an obstinate form of stomach
trouble. So far as I know, I gave no thought to the benefits I might
derive physically from the study, but I did believe this Science held the
truth of things, and I was so absorbed in getting an understanding of the
Principle that I thought very little of myself. After about three or four
months' study I realized that the stomach trouble was gone, and with it
went other physical troubles, which have never returned. This healing was
brought about by the earnest, conscientious seeking for the truth, as
contained in the Bible and interpreted by our Leader in our textbook,
Science and Health. I have since learned more of the Science of healing
and have been able in a small way to help others in need. I have also
learned that in living and loving is healing realized, and in reflecting
divine Love I have the "signs following." When we think of the pure, loving, unselfish life Mrs.
Eddy must have lived in order to become conscious of this truth and give
it to us, words are a poor medium through which to express the gratitude
which her followers feel for her. It is best expressed by obediently
following her, even as she is following Christ. - H. T., Omaha,
Neb. DYSPEPSIA QUICKLY HEALED It has occurred to me that I have had ample time to
meditate on the many blessings which I have received PAGE 631 through Christian Science, as it is now more than six
years since I was entirely healed of dyspepsia as well as constipation in
its worst form by the reading of Science and Health. So aggravated were
the conditions that for three years or more I was unable to drink a glass
of cold water. Everything that I drank had to be hot, and my only means of
relief from the bowel trouble was hot water injections, for a period of
more than three years. I can truthfully say that I was permanently, and I might
say instantly, healed of those two ailments by reading Science and Health
as before stated, and in fact I do not think I had read more than thirty
pages of this book when I ignored entirely the most rigid kind of diet. I
ate and drank everything I wished without a single harmful effect from
that time to this date, and there has not been a drop of medicine in our
home for more than six years, in a family of five. I have also seen the power of Truth manifested in our
home by having our youngest child relieved of the most excruciating pain,
and changed to his most playful mood, immediately upon notifying one of
the faithful practitioners of this city. For all this I am endeavoring to
be thankful to God and to our faithful Leader, Mrs. Eddy, whose pure and
undefiled life enabled her to discover this precious truth for the benefit
of all mankind. - M. C. McK., Denver, Col. AFTER TWENTY YEARS' SUFFERING From early girlhood I was considered an invalid, having
been injured by a hard fall while playing. The pain was intense for some
time and for several hours I was un- PAGE 632 able to walk or stand alone. Later, a growing weakness of
the back accompanied with sharp pains alarmed my parents, who called a
physician, and he pronounced it spinal trouble. Then followed nearly
twenty years of increased suffering, at times very severe. As years went
by and I became a wife and mother, my suffering increased. Everything that
medical skill could do was done, but finding no lasting benefit from
anything, I lost hope of recovery. When Christian Science found me I was under the doctor's
sentence that if I lived the week through I would become entirely
helpless, not able to move hand or foot. My husband was a travelling man,
and being urgently called home, he met an old friend on the train who
asked why we did not try Christian Science. The reply, We know nothing of
it, was followed by a brief explanation of its healing power and the
benefit his family had received. This inspired my husband with new hope,
and on his arrival at home he called on a practitioner, who recommended
our getting Science and Health, which we did, but ignorance and the
prejudice of old education produced such fear that I hid the book under
the covers of the bed whenever the children came into the room, fearing
that it was not of God and would injure them. God's dear love was,
however, more potent than these foolish fears, and the first day I read
from its sacred pages I was convinced its teachings were the same truths
as Jesus Christ had taught centuries ago. When I had read a few pages, I
reached out and threw my medicine from the open window at the head of my
bed. I then turned back to the book and began reading again, when, lo, the
Christ-idea dawned upon me, and I was healed
instantaneously. PAGE 633 I first noticed the spot in my back cooling, and soon I
got out of bed. I continued to read eagerly; I felt as if I wanted to
devour the healing truth, and drank it in as a thirsty plant does the
gentle rain. When dinner was prepared, I walked out and ate a hearty meal
with the family, to the amazement of all. We shall never forget what a
joyful meal this was. How we did thank God for Christian
Science! As year after year has gone by, till twenty years have
passed and the healing has remained perfect, I have grown to thank God
with deeper sincerity that one brave woman was found pure enough to bring
forth this Christ-healing again, to remain forever among men and to save
suffering humanity from all disease and sin. - Mrs. P. L. H., Fairmont,
Minn. FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE AND JOY I have often had a desire to make public what Christian
Science has done for me, but I never could tell of all my blessings, they
are so many. From childhood I was always sick, never knew one hour of
rest, and was under the doctor's care most of the time. I was living in
the East at that time, and was advised to try change of climate, which I
did. I came West with my family in the spring of the year, but instead of
growing better I grew steadily worse, until at last I was obliged to keep
my bed for nearly three years, - a great sufferer. My ailments were, it
seemed, all that flesh is heir to, and were called incurable by the
doctors; viz., Bright's disease, and many others, - in the last stages. My
case was known among physicians, many of whom were
prominent PAGE 634 specialists, as a most extreme one. Many, upon looking at
me, would turn away with a wise shake of the head and say, "What keeps her
alive?" My physicians, who were exceedingly kind and did all that lay
within their power for me, gave me up and the death sentence was
pronounced on me by all who attended me. It was then I realized that "man's extremity is God's
opportunity." The "little book" was handed me at this hour of great need.
I read it, not thinking it would heal me, but, like a drowning man, I
grasped at it. I read it, read it again, and soon found myself growing
stronger; then I kept on reading and was perfectly healed of all the
supposedly incurable diseases. - L. B., Austin, Minn. TRUTH MAKES FREE As the son of a physician, a graduate in pharmacy, and an
ex-druggist, I had a perfect contempt for what I thought Christian Science
to be. About six and a half years ago, however, having exhausted all
material means at my command, - materia medica, electricity,
gymnastics, cycling, and so on, - and being in a hopeless state, the study
of Christian Science was taken up. I had been a sufferer from catarrh and
sore throat for over thirty years, and in the last five were added several
others, including dyspepsia, and bronchitis, and a loss in flesh of sixty
pounds. I was completely healed, and regained health, strength, and flesh
through the spiritual understanding of Christian Science, the result of
about six weeks' study. This good and perfect gift came to me through the
careful and prayerful study of Christian Science, as revealed to the world
to-day through Science PAGE 635 and Health. The promise of Christ Jesus, "the truth shall
make you free," was fulfilled, and the past six years of health and
harmony have been spent in striving to "hold fast that which is
good." While most grateful for the physical healing, my
gratitude for the mental and spiritual regeneration is beyond expression.
When I learned that Jesus' mission of healing sickness as well as sin did
not end with his short stay upon earth, but is practical in all ages, my
joy was unbounded. Having spent thousands in the old way, it seemed
wonderful to be healed at such small cost as the price of the "little
book" and a few weeks' study. Every thought of prejudice immediately
vanished before the proofs that Christian Science is indeed the
elucidation and practical application of Jesus' teachings, which are
demonstrable truth, "The same yesterday, and to-day, and forever." - C. N.
C., Memphis, Tenn. DEAF EARS UNSTOPPED As a mother of a family my heart goes out in love and
gratitude to that good woman we are privileged to call our Leader, for all
she has done through her book for me and mine. Ten years ago I was healed of hereditary deafness and
catarrh of the head, simply through reading the book, Science and Health.
For years previous I had consulted and taken treatment from some of the
best specialists for the ear and throat, both in England and America, but
grew worse all the time. I was then urged by a lady who had been healed
through Christian Science to buy this book and study it. I did so very
reluctantly, but PAGE 636 had not read fifty pages before I felt I had indeed found
the truth which makes free, and can truly say, from that time I have never
had a return of the ailment. That for which I am, however, most grateful, is the daily
help it is to me in my household of young children. I am sure if mothers
only knew what Christian Science truly means they would give all they
possess to know it. We have seen croup, measles, fever, and various other
children's complaints, so-called, disappear like dew before the morning
sun, through the application of Christian Science, - the understanding of
God as ever-present and omnipotent. It has been proven to me without a
doubt that God is a very present help in trouble, and what a blessed help
this wonderful truth is in the training of our children, and how quickly
the child grasps it. Some time ago my little girl, then three years old,
dislocated her shoulder. I was alone in the house at the time. The pain
was so intense that she became faint. I treated her the best I knew how,
but kept holding the thought that just as soon as some one came I would
run for help. She seemed to grow worse and cried very much. I undressed
her and tried to twist the arm into place, but it caused such suffering
that I began to get afraid. Then like a flash came the thought, What would
you do if you were out of the reach of a practitioner? Now is your time to
prove God's power and presence. With these thoughts came such a sense of
calm and trustfulness that I lost all fear. I then asked the child if I
should read to her; she said "Yes, mamma, read the truth-book." I began
reading aloud to her from Science and Health. In about half an hour I
noticed PAGE 637 she tried to lift the arm but screamed and became very
pale. I continued to read aloud and again she made an effort to put some
candy into her mouth. This time I noticed with joy that she almost reached
her mouth before she felt the pain. I kept reading aloud to her until my
sister and two boys came in, when she jumped off her bed, so delighted to
see her brothers that she forgot her arm. She then began to tell her aunt
that she had broken her arm and mamma treated it with the truth-book. When
this happened, it was about 10.30 A. M. and by 3 P. M. she was playing out
doors as though nothing had ever happened. - Mrs. M. G., Winnipeg,
Man. SAVED FROM INSANITY AND SUICIDE A few years ago, while under a sense of darkness and
despair caused by ill health and an unhappy home, Science and Health was
loaned me with a request that I should read it. At that time my daughter was given up by materia
medica to die of lingering consumption, supposed to have been
inherited. My own condition seemed even more alarming, as insanity was
being manifested, and rather than go to an insane asylum, it seemed to me
the only thing to do was to commit suicide. Heart trouble, kidney
complaint, and continual headaches caused from female trouble were some of
the many ailments I had to contend with. My doctor tried to persuade me to
undergo an operation as a means of relief, but I had submitted to a severe
operation ten years previous, and found only additional suffering as a
result, so I would not consent. PAGE 638 When I began with Science and Health, I read the chapter
on "Prayer" first, and at that time did not suppose it possible for me to
remember anything I read, but felt a sweet sense of God's protection and
power, and a hope that I should at last find Him to be what I so much
needed, - a present help in time of trouble. Before that chapter on
"Prayer" was finished, my daughter was downstairs eating three meals a
day, and daily growing stronger. Before I had finished reading the
textbook she was well, but never having heard that the reading of Science
and Health healed any one, it was several months before I gave God the
glory. One by one my many ailments left me, all but the
headaches; they were less frequent, until at the end of three years the
fear of them was entirely overcome. Neither myself nor my daughter have ever received
treatments, but the study of the Bible and Science and Health, the
Christian Science textbook by Mrs. Eddy, has healed us and keeps us
well. While Christian Science was very new to me, I attended an
experience meeting in First Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago. A
gentleman told of an unhappy woman who was about to separate from her
husband. This gentleman had asked her if she did not love her husband. She
replied, "No; when I married him I did, but not now." He told her God made
man in His image and likeness, and that He is perfect. He said to her, "Go
home and see only God's perfect man; you don't need to love a sinful
mortal such as you have been looking upon." The lady followed his advice,
as he told her there is no separation in divine Mind. In a short time
peace and harmony were in her home, and PAGE 639 both husband and wife became members of a Christian
Science church. This testimony was like a message from heaven to me. I
had received many benefits from the study of Science and Health, but it
had never dawned upon my darkened consciousness till then how wonderful
our God is. I knew what had taken place in that home could take place in
my unhappy home where there was neither rest nor peace. I hopefully took up my cross, and step by step my burden
grew lighter, as I journeyed along, realizing the presence of the Christ,
Truth, that indeed makes us free. Not all at once did any outward change
appear, but at the end of three years all was peace, all the members of
the family attending church together and realizing that there is but one
Mind. - E. J. B., Superior, Wis. STOMACH TROUBLE HEALED I was healed of stomach trouble of many years' standing
by reading Science and Health. My condition had reached the stage in which
I had periodical attacks, that came on with greater frequency. I was a
travelling salesman, and it was a common occurrence for me to have to call
a physician to my hotel to administer morphine for an acute form of this
disease. This became a regular thing at certain places, and these attacks
always left me worse than before. As a result of the last one I lost a
great deal in weight. I had tried many physicians and most of the usual
remedies during these years of suffering, without any good result.
Finally, as a last resort, I PAGE 640 decided to try Christian Science, and I was healed by
reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs.
Eddy. My health has been of the best since I was healed, now
six years ago. In the family we have depended entirely on Christian
Science for our healing, and have ever found it efficacious. We consider
the physical healing, however, only incidental to the understanding of God
and His goodness. This, together with our increased love for the Bible, is
proving most valuable to us. We are humbly trying to live the lives that
will prove our gratitude to God, and to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy. -
Charles E. Peck, St. Johnsbury, Vt. FREED FROM MANY YEARS OF SUFFERING In the spring of 1880 I was taken down with a severe
attack of stomach trouble, was bedfast for three months, and not able to
drive out for nearly six months. During this time I had three good doctors
treating me. I gained a little in strength, but had very little relief
from the stomach trouble. I was recommended to try mineral springs and did
so, but with the same disappointment. I went to a sanitarium, but yet the
stomach trouble prevailed. I had some friends who recommended patent
medicines, but no healing came. I worried along in this way for several years. Finally I
read medicine nearly two years with a good doctor friend, especially for
my own benefit, and during this time I had a severe attack of bladder
trouble, and for fifteen years I suffered so severely at times that I
thought life was not really worth living. In connection with
these PAGE 641 troubles I suffered every winter with rheumatism and the
grip. I also had a growth coming on both eyes called cataract, which
caused my eyes to be inflamed nearly all the time, and this growth had
made such progress that it was causing my vision to be very dim when
reading. Corns were not forgotten, as I was reminded of them very
frequently, and for all these troubles I had tried every remedy I heard of
that I was able to get, specialists included, without relief. Thanks to a friend who took me in this hopeless,
discouraged condition and led me to the light that never knows darkness, I
got a copy of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy and was healed in a short
time by reading this work. - D. W. L., Anderson, Ind. RELIEF FROM INTENSE SUFFERING I became interested in Christian Science in 1901. For
four or five years I had suffered with severe attacks which nothing but an
opiate seemed to relieve. After one which I think was the worst I ever
had, I consulted our family physician, who diagnosed my case as a
dangerous kidney disease and said that no medicine could help me but that
I must undergo a surgical operation. I continued to grow worse and went to
see the physician again, and he advised me to consult a doctor who was
connected with the city hospital of Augusta. This doctor made an
examination and diagnosed the difficulty as something different but quite
as serious. Meanwhile a friend offered me a copy of Science and Health. I
said I did not care to read the book, but she was so urgent that I finally
promised to do so. I received the book on Satur- PAGE 642 day, and on Sunday morning I sat down to read it. When I
reached the place where Mrs. Eddy says she found this truth in the Bible,
I began comparing the two books. I read passages which looked very
reasonable to me, and said to myself, This is nearer to the truth than
anything I have ever seen. I continued to read all day, stopping only long
enough to eat my dinner. As I read on, everything became clearer to me,
and I felt that I was healed. During the evening a neighbor came in, and I
said, "I am healed, and that book has healed me." I read on and was
certainly healed. Eight days after my healing I did my own washing. This
occurred in February, 1901. About six weeks after, I was called to care
for my mother, who was under the care of my former physician. I again let
him examine my side, as he wished to see if the trouble was still there.
He said, "It is certainly gone." I said to him, "Doctor, you told me I
would never be a well woman unless I was operated upon; what has healed
me?" He replied, "God has healed you." - S. H. L., North Pittston,
Me. GRATEFUL FOR MANY BLESSINGS It is with sincere gratitude for the many blessings
Christian Science has brought me, that I give this testimony. I first
heard of Christian Science about fifteen years ago. A friend of mine was
taking treatment for physical troubles, and was reading the textbook of
Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. The
title of the book appealed to me very strongly. I said to my friend, "If
that is a Key to the Scriptures, I must have it." PAGE 643 I had long been a member of a Bible class in an orthodox
Sabbath school, but I never felt satisfied with that which was taught;
there was something lacking, I did not understand then what it was. I
purchased a copy of Science and Health and began to study it. I wish I
could express in words what that book brought me. It illumined the Bible
with a glorious light and I began to understand some of the Master's
sayings, and tried to apply them. I had had a longing to live a better Christian life for
many years, and often wondered why I failed so utterly to understand the
Bible. Now I knew; it was lack of spiritual apprehension. I did not know at first that people were healed of
disease and sin by simply reading Science and Health, but found after a
while that such was the case. At that time I had many physical troubles,
and one after another of these ills simply disappeared and I found that I
had no disease, - I was perfectly free. The spiritual uplifting was
glorious, too, and as I go on in the study of this blessed Science, I find
I am gaining surely an understanding that helps me to overcome both sin
and disease in myself and in others. My faith in good is increased and I
know I am losing my belief in evil as a power equal to good. The pathway
is not wearisome, because each victory over self gives stronger faith and
a more earnest desire to press on. - E. J. R., Toledo, Ohio. GRATEFUL FOR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING About four years ago, after I had tried different ways
and means to be relieved from bodily suffering, a faith- PAGE 644 ful friend called my attention to the teaching of
Christian Science. After some opposition, I decided to investigate it,
with the thought that if this teaching would be helpful, it was meant for
me as well as for others; if it did not afford any help, I could put it
aside again, but that I would find out and be convinced. After I had read Mrs. Eddy's work, Science and Health, a
few days, I found that my ailments had disappeared, and a rest had come to
me which I had never before known. I had smoked almost incessantly,
although I had often determined to use my will power and never smoke
again, but had always failed. This desire as well as the desire for drink
simply disappeared, and I wish to say here, that I received all these
benefits before I had gained much understanding of what I was reading.
Like a prisoner, who had been in chains for years, I was suddenly set
free. I did not then know how the chain had been removed, but I had to
acknowledge that it came through the reading of this book. I then felt an
ardent desire to read more, and to know what this power was that had freed
me in a few days of that which I had been trying for years to shake off
and had failed. It then became clear to me that this was the truth which
Jesus Christ taught and preached to free humanity almost two thousand
years ago. It did not, however, occur to me to apply it in my business
affairs; on the contrary, I first thought that if I continued in my study
I would have to retire from business. This did not happen, however, for I gradually found that
the little understanding of this wonderful teaching which I had acquired
became a great help to me in my business. I became more friendly, more
honest, PAGE 645 more loving to my fellow-men; and I also acquired better
judgment and was able to do the right thing at the right time. As a
natural result my business improved. Before I knew anything of Christian
Science my business had often been a burden to me, fear and worry deprived
me of my rest. How different it is now! Through the study of the Bible,
which now possesses unmeasurable treasures for me, and for our textbook,
Science and Health, and the other works of our Leader, I receive peace and
confidence in God and that insight into character which is necessary for
the correct management of any business. - W. H. H., Bloomfield,
Neb. HEREDITARY DISEASE OF THE LUNGS CURED For a long time I have been impelled to contribute a
testimony of the healing power of Truth. As I read other testimonies and
rejoice in them, some one may rejoice in mine. I was healed by reading
Science and Health. By applying it, I found it to be the truth that Jesus
taught, - the truth that sets free. From childhood I had never known a well day. I was healed
of lung trouble of long standing. Consumption was hereditary in our
family, my mother and three brothers having passed on with it. The law
of materia medica said that in a short time I must follow them. I
also had severe stomach trouble of over eight years' standing, during
which time I always retired without supper, as the fear of suffering from
my food was so great that I denied myself food when hungry. For over
twenty years I had ovarian trouble, which was almost unbearable at times.
It dated from PAGE 646 the birth of my first child, and at one time necessitated
an operation. I suffered with about all the ills that flesh is heir to: I
had trouble with my eyes from a child; wore glasses for fourteen years,
several oculists saying I would go blind, one declaring I would be blind
in less than a year if I did not submit to an operation, which I refused
to do. But thanks be to God whose Truth reached me through the
study of our textbook. Words fail to express what Christian Science has
done for me in various ways, for my children, my home, my all. The
physical healing is but a small part; the spiritual unfolding and
uplifting is the "pearl of great price," the half that has never been
told. - Mrs. J. P. M., Kansas City, Mo. TEXTBOOK APPRECIATED It has been my privilege to have interviews with
representatives of more than sixty per cent of the nations of this earth,
under their own vine and fig-tree. I had never heard a principle
understandingly advanced that would enable mankind to obey the apostolic
command, "prove all things," until Science and Health with Key to the
Scriptures was placed in my hands. I believe that the honest study of this
book in connection with the Bible will enable one to "prove all
things." I make this unqualified statement because of what my eyes
have seen and my ears heard from my fellow-men of unquestioned integrity,
and the positive proofs I have gained by the study of these books. Many
supposed material laws that had been rooted and PAGE 647 grounded in my mentality from youth have been overcome.
It required some time for me to wake up to our Leader's words in
Miscellaneous Writings, p. 206: "The advancing stages of Christian Science
are gained through growth, not accretion." I had many disappointments and
falls before I was willing to do the scientific work required to prove
this statement; yet notwithstanding the cost to ourselves, I am convinced
that we cannot do much credit to the cause we profess to love until we
place ourselves in a position to prove God as He really is to us
individually, and our relation to Him, by scientific work. I wish to express loving gratitude to our Leader for the
new edition of Science and Health. In studying this new edition one cannot
help seeing the wisdom, love, and careful and prayerful thought expressed
in the revision. Often the changing of a single word in a sentence makes
the scientific thought not only more lucid to him who is familiar with the
book, but also to those just coming into the blessed light. All honor to
that God-loving, God-fearing woman, Mary Baker G. Eddy, whose only work is
the work of love in the helping of mankind to help themselves; who has
placed before her fellow-men understandingly, what man's divine rights
are, and what God really is. - H. W. B., Hartford, Conn. RUPTURE AND OTHER SERIOUS ILLS HEALED When I took up the study of Christian Science nearly
three years ago, I was suffering from a very bad rupture of thirty-two
years' standing. Sometimes the pain was so severe that it seemed as if I
could not endure it. These spells would last four or five
hours, PAGE 648 and while everything was done for me that could be done,
no permanent relief came to me until I commenced reading Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures. After I had once looked into it I
wanted to read all the time. I was so absorbed in the study of the "little
book" that I hardly realized when the healing came, but I was healed, not
only of the rupture, but also of other troubles, - inflammatory
rheumatism, catarrh, corns, and bunions. I would never part with the book if I could not get
another. I am seventy-seven years old, and am enjoying very good health. -
Mrs. M. E. P., St. Johnsbury, Vt. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER HEALED When Christian Science came to me, I had been taking
medicine every day for twenty years, on account of constipation. I had
been treated by doctors and specialists; had taken magnetic treatments and
osteopathy; had tried change of climate; had an operation in a hospital,
and when I came out was worse than before. I was so discouraged, after I
had tried everything I ever heard of, and was no better but rather grew
worse, that it seemed as though I must give up trying to get well, when a
friend suggested that I try Christian Science. I had heard that Christian
Scientists healed by prayer, and I thought this must be the way Jesus had
healed. I felt that this was all there was left for me to try. I sent for
the book, Science and Health, and commenced to read it out of curiosity,
not thinking or knowing that I could be helped by the reading, but
thinking I must still take medicine and that I must also have treatment by
a Scientist. I, PAGE 649 however, dropped my medicine and read for three days;
then a light began to shine in the darkness. I was healed of the trouble
and have never had to take medicine since. I have studied Science and
Health faithfully ever since, and other ailments have disappeared. My
little daughter has also been healed and has learned to use this knowledge
in her school work. - Mrs. O. R., Leadville, Col. LIVER COMPLAINT HEALED As my thoughts go back to the time when I believed I had
nothing to live for, and when each morning's awaking from sleep brought a
sense of disappointment to find myself still among the living (for I had
hoped each night that I closed my eyes in sleep that it would be the last
time), my heart overflows with love and gratitude to God for our dear
Leader who discovered this blessed truth and to the dear ones who have
helped me so lovingly and patiently over many rough places. Twelve years ago, I consulted a physician because I had
noticed some odd-looking spots on one of my arms. He said they were liver
spots, but that it was not worth while prescribing for those few, that I
should wait until I was covered with them. About three months later, with
the exception of my face and hands, I was covered with them. Then I became
alarmed and called on another physician who prescribed for me, but be
finally said he could do no more for me. Other physicians were consulted
with no better results. Six years ago, friends advised me to see their
family physician, and when I called on him he said he was positive he
could cure me, so I asked him to prescribe for me. At the PAGE 650 end of two years, after prescribing steadily, he said I
was so full of medicine that he was afraid to have me take any more, and
advised a rest. After having paid out a small fortune, I was no better,
and very much discouraged. Two years ago, having failed in business, I applied to
one of my patrons for a furnished room where I could meet the few I still
had left. This lady, who is a Christian Scientist, loaned me Science and
Health, and because she asked me so often how I was getting on with the
book, I began reading it. I also attended the Wednesday evening meetings
which I found very interesting. After hearing the testimonies at the
meetings, I decided to speak to some practitioner about these spots, but
not until I had at least a hundred dollars on hand, because I thought I
would require that amount for treatments, as I had been accustomed to
paying high prices. I had not inquired about prices, and in fact did not
speak to any one about my intentions, because I felt sensitive on this
subject. When I had read about half of Science and Health, I missed the
spots, and upon searching could find no trace of them. They had entirely
disappeared without treatment. In a few weeks the reading of that book had
accomplished what materia medica had failed to accomplish in ten
years. It is impossible to express the feeling of relief and happiness
which came over me then. - C. K., Astoria, N. Y. A CONVINCING INVESTIGATION While I have testified to those around me and in many
localities, of my healing in Christian Science, I feel that PAGE 651 it is high time I put the candle in the candlestick where
all who will may see. My earliest recollection was a day of suffering, - a
physical inheritance from my mother, which gave simple interest for a time
until years advanced and compound interest was added. My father was a
physician, and material remedies were used for my mother without avail,
consequently his confidence in them for me was shaken, - in fact he often
told me it was better to suffer without medicine than become a chronic
doser, without pain. I began teaching in early life and continued for more
than twenty years, and during that time not a day passed without pain, or
fear of pain, and only for my innate love of life it would have become an
intolerable burden. For five years oatmeal was my chief food and I became
almost as attached to it as Kaspar Hauser to his crust. I was early taught
to have faith in God, and many times was relieved of pain only to have it
appear again in an aggravated form. At last my heart cried out for the living God, and the
answer came by one of His messengers, who told me of Christian Science. I
replied that I believed God could heal, but that I had no faith in the
healing of Christian Science, but would like to investigate its theology,
as it might aid in giving me some clue to the meaning of life. For three
years I had searched the works of the most scientific writers to find the
origin of life; many times I would think I had traced it to the beginning,
but it would elude my grasp every time. One day in talking with my friend,
she said she would like to loan me the textbook, Science and Health, which
I very willingly accepted. Not long afterward I felt a severe
PAGE 652 attack of suffering. I opened the book for the first time
and found a paragraph near the middle which attracted my attention. I read
the same paragraph over and over for nearly two hours. When the tea bell
rang I closed the book and I shall never forget my perception of the new
heaven and the new earth, - everything in nature that I could see seemed
to have been washed and made clean. The flowers that I have always loved
so much, and that from childhood had told me such sweet stories, now spoke
to me of the All-in-all, the hearts of my friends seemed kinder, - I had
touched the hem of the garment of healing. I ate my supper that evening forgetful of the
preparations I had made for suffering, and when the next day began I was
more zealous of good work than ever before. Since closing Science and
Health at my first reading I have never been able to find the paragraph
which I had read so many times over, the words seemed to have slipped away
from me, but my joy knew no bounds at having found the pearl of great
price. By the continued reading of the book I was entirely healed, and for
fourteen years I have not seen a day of physical suffering. - Miss L. M.,
Rome, N. Y. DEAFNESS AND DROPSY HEALED I had been deaf from childhood. I suffered intensely
after eating, and dropsy was another of my complaints. This, with
consumption, caused one doctor to say, " It puzzles me; I have never seen
such a case before as yours." I met a friend who had been cured in
Christian PAGE 653 Science, and she said, "Try Christian Science." I got a
copy of Science and Health and in three weeks I was entirely cured. I felt
uplifted. It seemed as if God's arms were around and about me. I felt as
if heaven had come down to earth for me. After five years of suffering can
any one wonder at my unspeakable gratitude? - A. B., Pittsburg,
Pa. GRATEFUL FOR MANY BLESSINGS In 1894 I began the study of Christian Science. At that
time I was greatly in need of its healing truth. For a number of years
previous I had been a semi-invalid with no hope of ever being well and
strong again. Several years before this time I had undergone an operation
which resulted in peritonitis. For three years previous to my study of
Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, I was scarcely ever free from headache
caused by the weakened and diseased condition of the internal organs. At
the time I began the study of Christian Science I was taking five kinds of
medicine. I began to read Science and Health, and did not take
treatment, for I thought, "If this is truth, I shall be healed; if it is
not, I shall be able to detect it, and will have nothing to do with it." I
became a devoted student and gradually my bodily diseases left me, - I was
free, and since that time, nearly ten years ago, neither my two children
nor myself have taken any medicine; and our understanding of truth has
been able to meet and overcome any suggestion of illness. I was a devoted member of an orthodox
church, PAGE 654 but as I grew older I began to question my beliefs, and
to my questions I could find no satisfactory answer. I became dissatisfied
and finally ceased attending church. I could not accept the idea of God
taught there, and at last my friends looked sadly upon me as an atheist.
There I stood until I learned to know God as revealed in Science and
Health, and then all my questionings were answered. In my girlhood I had
always prayed to the God I held in mind, and when the shadows of sickness
pain, and death came to my family, I prayed as only those can who know
that if He helps not, there is none; but my prayers were unanswered. Then
I closed my Bible, saying, "There is a mistake somewhere, perhaps some
time I may know." Only those who know the attitude of mind that I was in
can understand the joy that came to me as I began to learn of God in
Christian Science, and of my relation to Him. Many proofs of the healing power of Truth and of His
protecting care throng my thoughts. Seven years ago, when we were in a far
distant country, where Christian Science was then unknown, my little
daughter came in one morning from her school, saying, "Mother, I have
measles; twenty of the girls are sick in bed and I am afraid they will put
me there also." Her face, hands, and chest were covered with a deep red
rash, throat sore, and eyes inflamed. We began immediately to do our work
in Science and at night, when I left her at the door of the college, her
face was clear, her eyes bright, and all fear destroyed. That was the end
of the disease. - F. M. P., Boston, Mass. PAGE 655 A JOYFUL EXPERIENCE In love and gratitude to God, and to Mrs. Eddy, the
interpreter of Jesus' beautiful teachings, I wish to tell of some of the
benefits which I have received from Christian Science. It is a little over
a year since Science found me in a deplorable condition, physically as
well as mentally. I had ailments of many years' standing, - chronic
stomach trouble, severe eye trouble, made almost unbearable from the
constant fear of losing any sight (a fate which had befallen my mother),
also a painful rupture of twenty-five years' standing. These ailments,
combined with unhappy conditions in my home, made me very despondent. I
had entirely lost my belief in an all-merciful God, and I did not know
where to turn for help. At that time Christian Science was brought to my
notice, and I shall never forget the sublime moment when I perceived that
an all-loving Father is always with me. Forgotten was all sorrow and
worry, and after four weeks' reading in Science and Health all my ailments
had disappeared. I am today a healthy, contented woman. All this has come to pass in one short year, and my
earnest desire is to be more and more worthy to be called a child of God.
This is in loving gratitude for an understanding of this glorious truth. -
Mrs. R. J., Chicago, Ill. AN EVER-PRESENT HELP It is a year since I began to read Science and Health,
and I will now try to outline what a knowledge of its teachings has done
for me. PAGE 656 My condition was then very trying; my eyes, which had
caused me much trouble since childhood, were very painful. For these I had
been treated by some of the best specialists in my native land, and after
coming to the United States I had been doctored much and had worn glasses
for four years. I also had catarrh, for which I had taken much medicine
without being relieved. In addition to this I was an excessive smoker,
using tobacco in some form almost constantly. I had contracted a smoker's
heart, and used liquors freely. The one who brought to me that which I now prize so
highly, was a book agent. I told him that I should be forced to leave my
trade on account of my eyes. He then told me of having been healed of a
cancer, through Christian Science treatment. He showed me a copy of
Science and Health, which had the signs of much use, and after being
assured that if I did my part I would be healed of all my diseases, I sent
for a copy of the book. My recovery was very rapid, for after reading the book
only three weeks I was completely healed of the tobacco habit. I will say,
in regard to this healing, that it did not require even as much as a
resolution on my part. I was smoking a cigar, while reading Science and
Health, when all the desire to continue smoking left me, and I have never
had a desire to use tobacco in any form since then. My eyes were the next
to manifest the influence of the new knowledge gained, and had soon so far
recovered that I could go about my work with ease, and I have had no more
use for glasses. To-day my heart is normal, the catarrh PAGE 657 has totally disappeared, and I am not addicted to the use
of liquor. Christian Science has proved to be an ever-present help,
not only in overcoming physical ailments, but in business and daily life.
It has also overcome a great sense of fear. The Bible, which I regarded
with suspicion, has become my guide, and Christianity has become a sweet
reality, because the Christian Science textbook has indeed been a "Key to
the Scriptures" and has breathed through the Gospel pages a sweet sense of
harmony. - A. F., Sioux City, Iowa. SEVERE EYE TROUBLE OVERCOME After hearing Christian Science lightly spoken of, from a
Christian pulpit, I decided to go to one of the services and hear for
myself. From infancy I had been devoted to my church, and as soon as I was
old enough I was ever active in the work. Feeling it to be my duty to
attend every service held in my own church, I took advantage of the
Wednesday evening meetings. My first visit was not my last, I am thankful
to say, for I saw immediately that these people not only preached
Christianity, but practised and lived it. At that time I was wearing
glasses and had worn them for sixteen years. At times I suffered the most
intense pain, and for this phase of the trouble, one specialist after
another had been consulted. All gave me very much the same advice; each
one urged extreme carefulness and gave me glasses that seemed to relieve
for a time. None of them held out any hope that my sight would ever be
restored, saying that the PAGE 658 defect had existed since infancy, and that in time I
should be blind. The thought of blindness was very distressing to me, but
I tried to bear it with Christian resignation, since I thought that God
had seen fit to afflict me; but since I have learned that He is a loving
Father, who gives only good, I regret that I ever charged Him with my
affliction. I had no treatment, but I read Science and Health, and my eyes
were healed and glasses laid aside. I can never find words to express my
thanks to our dear Leader, through whose teachings my sight has been
regained. I can truthfully say that "whereas I was blind, now I see" -
through an understanding of Truth I have found my sight perfect as God
gave it. - Miss B. S., Wilmington, N. C. A TESTIMONY FROM IRELAND It is with a heart full of love and gratitude to God, and
to our dear Leader, that I send this testimony to the Field. I had never
been a strong girl; had always been subject to colds and chills, and
suffered all my life from a delicate throat. Seven years ago I had a very
severe attack of rheumatic fever and subsequently two less severe ones.
These left all sorts of evils behind them, - debility, chronic
constipation, and several others, so that with these ills my life was
often a burden to me and I used to think I never should receive relief or
health. I had also lost all love for God and faith in Him. I could not
accept a God who, as I then believed, visited sickness and sorrow upon His
children as a means for drawing them to Him. PAGE 659 I was in this state of mind and body when Christian
Science found me. A dear friend, seeing my suffering, presented the truth
to me, and though at first I did not believe that there could be healing
for me, the Christian Scientists' God seemed to be the one I had been
looking for all my life. I began to read Science and Health, and shall
never forget my joy at finding that I could love and trust God. I took to
studying the Bible, and read nothing but Science and Health and other
Christian Science literature for a year. After studying the "little book"
for about six weeks, I one day realized that I was a well woman, that I
had taken no medicine for three weeks, and that my body was perfectly
harmonious. The reading of Science and Health had healed me. The wonderful
joy and spiritual uplifting which came to me then no words of mine can
describe. I had also suffered from astigmatism and had for several years
been obliged to use special glasses when reading or working, and could
never use my eyes for more than half an hour; but from the first reading
of Science and Health I found that I could read in any light and for any
length of time without the slightest discomfort. I am not only grateful
for the physical healing but for the mental regeneration. I rejoice that I
am now able to help others who are sick and sorrowing. - E. E. L., Curragh
Camp, County Kildare, Ireland. THE TEXTBOOK MAKES OPERATION UNNECESSARY In the early part of the year 1895 my physician said I
must undergo a surgical operation in order ever to be well. PAGE 660 While in great fear, and dreading the operation, a kind
neighbor called, and after telling me of Christian Science gave me a copy
of Science and Health. She said I must put aside all medicine, and by
reading faithfully she knew I could be healed. The book became my constant
companion, and in a short time I was healed. Besides the relief from an
operation, I was completely healed of severe headaches and stomach
trouble. Physicians could give me no help for either of these ailments.
For ten years I have not used medicine of any kind, and have not missed a
Christian Science service on account of sickness during this period. I am
perfectly well. To say that I am grateful to God for all this does not
express my feelings. The physical healing was wonderful, but the
understanding given me of God, and the ability to help others outweigh all
else. I also love our dear Leader. - Mrs. V. I. B., Concord, N.
H. KIDNEY DISEASE AND EYE TROUBLE HEALED Early in 1904 I was teaching in a private
boarding-school. I was a very unhappy, discontented woman; I had kidney
disease, besides sore eyes, and my general health was very bad. The doctor
said that the climate did not suit me, and that I certainly should have a
change. The best thing, he said, was to go back to France (my own
country); but I did not like to leave the school, so I struggled on until
July, when we went travelling for a month, but I came home worse than
ever. I had a lot of worry, one disappointment after another, and I often
thought that life was not worth living. In September, 1904, we heard for
the first time of Christian Science PAGE 661 through a girl who was attending our boarding-school, and
who was healed through Christian Science treatment. We bought the
textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy,
and what a revelation it was and is to us; it is indeed the fountain of
Truth. I had read Science and Health but a very short time when I took off
my glasses, began to sleep well, and soon found myself well in mind and
body. Besides this, it has brought harmony into our school, where there
had been discord, and everything is changed for the better. I cannot
describe the happiness that has come to me through Christian Science; I
can only exclaim with the psalmist: "Bless the Lord, O my soul;" and may
God bless Mrs. Eddy. My one aim now is to live Christian Science, not in words
only, but in deeds; loving God more and my neighbor as myself, and
following meekly and obediently all our Leader's teachings. Words cannot
express my gratitude to Mrs. Eddy for Christian Science. - S. A. K.,
Vancouver, B. C. DISEASE OF BOWELS HEALED When I first heard of Christian Science I had been
afflicted for nine years with a very painful disease of the bowels, which
four physicians failed even to diagnose, all giving different causes for
the dreadful sufferings I endured. The last physician advised me to take
no more medicine for these attacks, as drugs would not reach the cause, or
do any good. About this time I heard of Christian Science, and had the
opportunity of reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by
Mrs. Eddy, a few minutes every day for about a week, and I PAGE 662 was thereby healed. In looking back I found I had not
suffered in the least from the time I began reading this book. It has been
nearly seventeen years since this wonderful healing, and I have had no
return of the disease. My gratitude is endless and can be best expressed
by striving mightily to walk in the path our Leader has so lovingly shown
us in Science and Health. - Mrs. J. W. C., Scranton, Pa. HEALED BY READING THE TEXTBOOK After doctoring about a year, I was obliged to give up
school and was under medical care for two years; but grew worse instead of
better. I was then taken to specialists, who pronounced my case incurable,
saying I was in the last stages of kidney disease and could live only a
short time. Shortly afterward my uncle gave me a copy of "Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures," and asked me to study it. After
studying a short time I was able to walk a distance of several miles,
which I had not been able to do for three years. I also laid aside glasses
which I had worn seven years, having been told I would become blind if my
eyes did not receive proper care. It is over a year since I received God's
blessing, and I am now enjoying perfect health and happiness. I have never
had my glasses on since I first began reading Science and Health, and I
have not used any medicine. - L. R., Spring Valley, Minn. A TESTIMONY FROM SCOTLAND I came to Christian Science purely for physical healing.
I was very ill and unhappy; very cynical and disbelieving in regard to
what I heard of God and religion. PAGE 663 I tried to live my life in my own way and put religion
aside. I was a great believer in fate and in will-power, and thought to
put them in the place of God, with the consequence that I was led to do
many rash and foolish things. I am now thankful to say that my outlook on
life is entirely changed; I have proved God's wisdom and goodness so often
that I am willing and thankful to know my future is in His hands and that
all things must work out for the best. I have found a God whom I can love
and worship with my whole heart, and I now read my Bible with interest and
understanding. I was healed of very bad rheumatism simply by reading
Science and Health. I had tried many medicines, also massage, with no
result, and the doctors told me that I would always suffer from this
disease, as it was inherited, and also because I had rheumatic fever when
a child. I suffered day and night, and nothing relieved me until Science
proved to me the falseness of this belief by removing it. I gave up all
the medicines I was taking and have never touched any since, and that is
more than two years ago. Before this I had often tried to do without a
medicine that I had taken every day for ten years, but was always ill and
had to return to it, until I found out that one Mind is the only medicine,
and then I was freed from the suffering. I had also suffered constantly from bilious attacks,
colds, and a weak chest, and had been warned not to be out in wet weather,
etc., but now, I am glad to say, I am quite free from all those material
laws and go out in all sorts of weather. - R. D. F., Edinburgh,
Scotland. PAGE 664 CURING BETTER THAN ENDURING For eight years I was a great sufferer from weak lungs
and after being treated by ten different physicians, in the States of
Illinois, Missouri, and Colorado, I was told there was no hope of my
recovery from what they pronounced tuberculosis, which was hereditary, my
father having been afflicted with it. I was greatly emaciated and hardly
able to be about. My general condition was aggravated by what the doctors
said was paralysis of the bowels. Three physicians so diagnosed it at
different times, and assured my husband that I could never get more than
temporary relief. This indeed I found difficult to obtain, in spite of my
almost frantic efforts. At times I was nearly insane from suffering, and
after eight years of doctoring I found myself steadily growing worse. For
four years I did not have a normal action of the bowels, and it was only
by extreme effort and by resort to powerful drugs or mechanical means,
with resultant suffering, that any action whatever could be brought
about. I had heard nothing of the curative power of Christian
Science, and only to oblige a friend I went one night, about three years
ago, to one of their mid-week testimonial meetings, in Boulder, Colorado.
I was much impressed by what I heard there, and determined at once to
investigate this strange religion, in the hope that it might have
something good for me. I bought the textbook, Science and Health, and from
the first I found myself growing stronger and better, both physically and
mentally, as I acquired a better understanding and endeavored to put into
practice what I learned. In one week PAGE 665 I was able to get along better without drugs than I had
for years with them, and before three months had passed I was better than
I had been any time in my life, for I had always suffered more or less
from bowel trouble. Since that time I have taken no medicine whatever, and
rely wholly upon Christian Science. My lungs are now sound, my bowels
normally active, my general health excellent, and I am able to endure
without fatigue tasks that before would have prostrated me. The study of
our textbook was the sole means of my healing. - L. M. St. C., Matachin,
Canal Zone, Panama. SEVERE ECZEMA DESTROYED It is only two years since I came from darkness into the
light of Christian Science, and to me the spiritual uplifting has been
wonderful, to say nothing of the physical healing. Words cannot express my
gratitude for benefits I have received in that time. For five years I
suffered with that dreaded disease, eczema, all over my body. Five doctors
said there was no help for me. The suffering seemed as terrible as the
hell fire that I had been taught to believe in. When Christian Science
came to me two years ago through a dear friend, she gave me a copy of
Science and Health and asked me to read it. I told her that I would, for I
was like a drowning man grasping at a straw. I had been a Bible student
for twenty-eight years, but when I commenced reading Science and Health
with the Bible I was healed in less than a week. I never had a treatment.
A case of measles was also destroyed in twenty-four hours after it
appeared. - Mrs. M. B. G., Vermilion, Ohio. PAGE 666 SCIENCE AND HEALTH A PRICELESS BOON I am a willing witness to the healing power of Christian
Science, having had a lifetime's battle with disease and medical
experiments. Various doctors finally admitted that they had exhausted
their resources, and could only offer me palliatives, saying that a cure
was impossible. I had paralysis of the bowels, frequent sick headaches
with unutterable agony, and my mortal career was nearly brought to an end
by a malignant type of yellow fever. Many were the attending evils of this
physical inharmony, but God confounds the wisdom of men, for while
studying Science and Health two years ago, the veil of ignorance was
lifted and perfect health was shown to me to be my real condition, and to
such there is no relapse. The constant use of glasses, which were
apparently a necessity to me for years, was proven needless, and they were
laid aside. Mrs. Eddy has made Scripture reading a never-failing well of
comfort to me. By her interpretation "the way of the Lord" is made
straight to me and mine. It aids us in our daily overcoming of the tyranny
of the flesh and its rebellion against the blessed leading of Christ,
Truth. The daily study of the Bible and our textbook is bringing more and
more into our consciousness the power of God unto salvation. - J. C.,
Manatee, Fla. A CRITIC CONVINCED With gratitude to God I acknowledge my lifelong debt to
Christian Science. In 1895 I attended my first PAGE 667 Christian Science meeting, and was deeply impressed with
the earnestness of the people and the love reflected, but as for the
spiritual healing of the physical body, I did not believe such a thing to
be possible. I bought Science and Health and studied it to be able to
dispute intelligently with the supposedly deluded followers of Christian
Science. I pursued the study carefully and thoroughly, and I have had
abundant reason since to be glad that I did, for through this study, and
the resultant understanding of my relation to God, I was healed of a
disease with which I had been afflicted since childhood and for which
there was no known remedy. Surely my experience has been the fulfilling in
part of the Scripture: "He sent His Word and healed them, and delivered
them from their destructions." I believe that Science and Health reveals
the Word referred to by David. - C. A. B. B., Kansas City, Mo. BORN AGAIN It was in April, 1904, that I first heard the "still,
small voice" of the Christ and received healing through Christian Science;
and the blessings have been so many since, that it would take too much
space to name them. Reared from childhood in an intellectual atmosphere,
my paternal grandfather having been an orthodox minister of the old school
for forty years, and my father a deep student, ever seeking for the truth
of all things, I began early to ponder and to study into the meaning of
life, and came to the conclusion before I was twenty that though God
probably PAGE 668 existed in some remote place, still it was impossible to
connect Him with my present living. My highest creed, therefore, became,
"Do right because it is right and not for fear of being punished."
Then began the suffering. Sorrow after sorrow followed each other in rapid
succession; for ten long years there was no rest, the road was indeed long
and hard and had no turning, until finally the one thing that had stood by
me all through the trials, namely, my health, gave way, and with that went
my last hope. But the last hour of the night had come, the dawn of day was
at hand; a dear friend left Science and Health upon my piano one day,
saying that I would gain much good by reading it. Glad to get away from my own poor thoughts, I opened the
"little book" and began to read. I had read only a short time when such a
wonderful transformation took place! I was renewed; born again. Mere words
cannot tell the story of the mighty up-lifting that carried me to the very
gates of heaven. When I began to read the book, life was a burden, but
before I had finished reading it the first time, I was doing all my
housework and doing it easily; and since that glorious day I have been a
well woman. My health is splendid, and I am striving to let my light so
shine that others may be led to the truth. There have been some mighty
struggles with error, and I have learned that we cannot reach heaven with
one long stride or easily drift inside the gate, but that the "asking" and
the "seeking" and the "knocking" must be earnest and
persistent. For a long time I was always looking back to see
if PAGE 669 the error had gone, until one day when I realized that to
catch a glimpse of what spiritual sense means I must put corporeal sense
behind me. I then set to work in earnest to find the true way. I opened
Science and Health and these words were before me, "If God were
understood, instead of being merely believed, this understanding would
establish health" (p. 203). I saw that I must get the right understanding
of God! I closed the book and with head bowed in prayer I waited with
longing intensity for some answer. How long I waited I do not know, but
suddenly, like a wonderful burst of sunlight after a storm, came clearly
this thought, "Be still, and know that I am God." I held my breath - deep
into my hungering thought sank the infinite meaning of that "I." All
self-conceit, egotism, selfishness, everything that constitutes the mortal
"I," sank abashed out of sight. I trod, as it were, on holy ground. Words
are inadequate to convey the fullness of that spiritual uplifting, but
others who have had similar experiences will understand. From that hour I have had an intelligent consciousness of
the ever-presence of an infinite God who is only good. - C. B. G., Hudson,
Mass. A RESTLESS SENSE OF EXISTENCE DESTROYED Through reading Science and Health and the illumination
which followed, I was healed of ulceration of the stomach and kindred
troubles, a restless sense of existence, agnosticism, etc. The torture I
endured with the stomach trouble I will not attempt to describe. The
attending physician declared that I could live but a short PAGE 670 time, and I felt there would be a limit to my endurance
of the torture, but the disease was dissipated into nothingness through
Christian Science, which brought me peace. Like many others I had been seemingly lost in the sea of
error, without a compass, yet earnestly and honestly seeking a haven. I
had investigated all kinds of religions and philosophies that came under
my notice, with the exception of Christian Science, which was not then
deemed worthy of inquiry, and yet it held the very truth I was searching
for - the light which "shineth in the darkness; and the darkness
comprehended it not." Three years of stubborn resistance to Truth, with
increasing suffering, followed - then the light came, and with it a new
experience. Now, after nine years of Christian Science experience, under
severe tests, it can be truthfully said that it has not failed me in any
hour of need. - J. F. J., Cincinnati, Ohio. MORALLY AND PHYSICALLY HEALED I did not accept Christian Science on account of any
healing of my own, but after seeing my mother, who was fast drifting
toward helplessness with rheumatism, restored to perfect health with only
a few treatments in Christian Science, I thought surely this must be the
truth as Jesus taught and practised it, and if so it was what I had been
longing for. This was about ten years ago and was the first I had ever
heard of Christian Science. We soon got a copy of Science and Health and I
began in the right way to PAGE 671 see if Christian Science were the truth. I had no thought
of studying it for bodily healing; in fact, I did not think I needed it
for that, but my soul cried out for something I had not yet found. This
book was indeed a key to the Scriptures. It was not long after I began reading before I discovered
that my eyes were good and strong, I could read as much as I wished, and
at any time, which was something I could not do before, as my eyes had
always been weak. The doctors said they never would be very strong, and
that if I did not wear glasses, I might lose my sight altogether. I never
gave up to wearing glasses, and now, thanks to Christian Science, I do not
need them, my work for the past two years as a railway mail clerk being a
good test. At the same time my eyes were healed, I also noticed that I was
entirely healed of another ailment which had been with me all my life, and
which was believed to be inherited. Since that time my growth has seemed
to me slow, yet when I look back and view myself as I was before Christian
Science found me, and compare it with my life as it now is, I can only
close my eyes to the picture and rejoice that I have been "born again" and
that I have daily been putting off "the old man with his deeds," and
putting on "the new man." Some of the many things that have been overcome through
the study of Science and Health, and through realizing and practising the
truth it teaches, are profanity, the use of tobacco, a very quick temper,
which made both myself and those around me at times very miserable, and
such thoughts as malice, revenge, etc. - O. L. R., Fort Worth,
Tex. PAGE 672 HEALTH AND UNDERSTANDING GAINED Most of my boyhood days were spent in the hands of
physicians. From birth I was considered a very weakly child, but my mother
was brave, and being much devoted to me did everything within her
knowledge and power for my comfort. Sickness and medicine were continually
before me, and by the time I reached my teens I thought I knew a material
remedy for every ill. I continued in my delusion, because I was never told
the real cause of my trouble. Besides being under a leading specialist for
two years, I was also an outdoor patient at a noted hospital, but I was
not healed. It is wonderful how the "little ones" are cared for in the
face of all these seeming difficulties. I always used the prayers that I
had been taught, and as I grew older I began to ask for wisdom. Little by
little I gained a desire for freedom, and my prayers finally led me to the
truth. The first week that I heard of Christian Science, I visited the
home of dear Christian Science friends, and was at once refreshed by their
purity of thought and example. I bought a copy of Science and Health, and,
after studying it a little while with the Bible, I saw that if the Bible
was true, Science and Health must also be true. I began to demonstrate
over my physical and mental condition, and as soon as the fear and pain
began to leave me I felt encouraged to go on. I was healed, and stopped
complaining. I kept on studying our textbook, and when I got an
understanding in a small degree of the Science of Mind, my first thought
was to help others. I was guided where I could pro- PAGE 673 gress in Science, and was no longer "carried about with
every wind of doctrine," but held to Principle as closely as possible.
From the time the healing came into my consciousness, the desire for
material remedies left me, because Christian Science at once pointed out
the way to get at the cause of discord and disease. All that I had to give
up were the false beliefs of mortal mind. Christian Science then taught me
to love the church, and to appreciate what it had already done for
mankind. I often thought of the old adage, "Charity begins at home," and
after three years' preparation I felt able to take Christian Science to my
home, where it found, in due time, ready acceptance and willing disciples.
This gave me even greater joy than my own healing. The more good I saw
accomplished, the more love I had for the truth. Christian Science changed
my course from the first, and gave me a nobler aim and purpose in life. I
was not so easily influenced by other people's shortcomings, when I
learned that evil has neither personality nor place. I was not so ready to
take offence, when I found out the way to work unselfishly for the
upbuilding of the Cause. - A. E. J., Toledo, Ohio. AN EVER-PRESENT HELP FOUND On the 23rd of March, 1900, I received from one of my
daughters a copy of Science and Health on my seventy-first birthday.
Although a constant reader of all kinds of papers and books, I had never
heard anything of Christian Science, except a short notice that spring in
a San Francisco newspaper, from an orthodox clergyman, referring to the
Christian Science people in not very complimentary style. PAGE 674 In Mrs. Eddy's book I came across a great deal of thought
that was not readily understood at the first reading, but by continued and
careful study, and a good deal of help from my knowledge of chemistry and
natural philosophy, I soon shook off the belief of sensation in matter, -
the so-called elementary substance. One afternoon I put the belt on my
circular saw to cut blocks of firewood and also to split a small stick of
frame timber. In doing this the stick closed and pinched the saw. I picked
up a small wooden wedge and tried to drive it into the saw kerf, but a bit
of ice let the stick on to the back of the saw and instantly it flew, with
heavy force, into my face, and bouncing off my left cheek fell about
twenty feet off on the snow. The blood spattered on the snow next the saw
table, and on feeling with my hand there were two wounds, one on the lock
of the jaw and another forward, as big as a dollar, on the cheek bone.
"Now," I thought to myself, "there is a case of surgery for you," and
without further ceremony, I began to treat the case to the best of my
knowledge, with the result that the bleeding stopped almost instantly, and
so did a thumping pain, which had commenced. I paid no more attention to
the matter, but finished my work, and then went to supper. When I washed
my face, I felt a big lump on the jawbone where the block of wood struck,
but after my usual reading I went to bed and slept all night until near
daylight, when a pain on the right side awoke me. On feeling with my hand
there was another big lump on the right side, but I treated it and went to
sleep again. I never lost an hour from the hurt, although I found out that
my jaw was broken. There is no scar, only a little red spot
on PAGE 675 the cheek, and the lumps on the bone have long since
disappeared. In summing up the benefits I have received from the
reading of Science and Health, I can but refer to a condition of sickness
dating back to the war (1862), when chronic and malignant diarrhea came
near making an end of my material existence. My hearing, also, was
seriously impaired from the effect of cannon firing at Shiloh, but it has
come back to me, and where I formerly dared not eat an orange, or grapes,
I can now eat anything without being hurt. My peace of mind is giving me a
rest which I never experienced before during my life, and I have ceased to
look away off for the divine presence that was always near, though I did
not know it. - L. B., Baldy, N. M. MANY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TROUBLES OVERCOME Less than a year ago, when nothing but trouble seemed to
encompass me, I was led to Christian Science. My mother's copy of Science
and Health was always lying on the table, but I scarcely ever read it. One
day, however, the mental conflict was so great I commenced reading in the
hope of obtaining peace. Every day since then my companions have been the
Bible and Science and Health. At that time I had a very serious eruption
on my face, which had been there two years. We had consulted several
physicians, and used every remedy suggested to eradicate it, but they
proved useless. I had given up all hopes of its ever being healed, as the
physician we last consulted pronounced it tuberculosis of the skin and
incurable. A few weeks after I com- PAGE 676 menced reading, I was amazed to see it almost healed
over, and to-day my cheek is perfectly smooth, while the scar is
disappearing. In April my baby was born with only the practitioner and
a woman friend present. I suffered little pain, and the third day I went
down-stairs. I am able to nurse him, - a privilege of which I was deprived
with my first child. He is a picture of health, having never been sick a
day since he was born. - K. E. W. L., Mt. Dora, Fla. A NEW LIFE GAINED leaving home when a young man, I carried with me a
protection against the temptation of a great city, - a mother's prayers
and a small Bible. For a time I read the Bible and prayed, but without
understanding. This did not suffice, and evil seemed to gain the victory.
I soon omitted to read my Bible; forgot to go to God in prayer for
guidance and help, and looked to the world for that which it never has and
never can give, - health, peace, and joy. Thus, years later, when Christian Science came into my
home, it found me prayerless, churchless, godless; a home discordant, and
with no thought or knowledge of spiritual things. Up to this time, my wife
had for years been seeking health through the physicians, but without
success, and as a last resort had been sent to Christian Science. The help
received was so wonderful that I commenced the study of Science and
Health. The first effect which I realized from the reading of our
textbook, was a great love for the Bible and a desire to read it,
something which I had not done PAGE 677 for years. I went in silent prayer to God, that I might
see the light and truth which would enable me to be-come a better man. "Ye
must be born again." Thus again, and as a child, was I taught to pray "the
effectual fervent prayer" which "availeth much." In a few weeks' study of
Science and Health together with the Bible, and without other help, I was
healed of a desire for liquor, of years' standing, and of the use of
tobacco. Ten years have passed and these appetites have never returned. I
have never used either liquor or tobacco in any form from that time to the
present. Surely this Scripture is fulfilled in our home: "Old things are
passed away; behold, all things are become new." How can we estimate the
value of a book, the study of which brings such transformation and
regeneration? Only as we endeavor to live, and strive to practise what it
teaches, can we begin to pay our debt to God, and to her whom He has sent
to make plain to human understanding the life and teaching of Christ
Jesus. - W. H. P., Boston, Mass. A VOICE FROM ENGLAND For a number of years I was a weary woman, not ill enough
in health to, be called an invalid, but suffering more than could be told
with fatigue and weakness. Feeling that this was God's will, I did not ask
to be healed, although I was constantly doctoring. I suffered with
dyspepsia, congestion of the liver, and many other things, including weak
eyesight. With all the medicine, and with different changes for rest, I
never regained health, and thought I never should, so I prayed for grace
to bear my cross patiently for others' sake. One day, while PAGE 678 lying on my couch exhausted, which had become a frequent
experience, the words came to me, "Whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive." I rose, knelt down and said, O God, make me
well. I was telling a friend this and she kindly gave me a Sentinel.
Imagine my joy when I saw the testimonies of healing! I believed them,
remembering our Lord's words, "Blessed are they that have not seen, and
yet have believed." I obtained a copy of Science and Health and before a
week had passed I realized that if God was my all I needed no glasses. My
eyes were healed in a few days, and since then I have never thought of
glasses. I was also cured of dyspepsia, and nothing that I have eaten has
hurt me since then. The belief in health laws was next destroyed, by
knowing that our heavenly Father did not make them, and from this has come
the beautiful experience of the overcoming of fatigue. For this alone I can never be thankful enough. True
indeed are the words, "They shall run, and not be weary." This was more
than a year ago, and I can say that not once have I felt inclined to lie
on the couch, nor have I had a headache, although I am doing more work
than ever before. Fear has also been overcome in many ways. - A. L.,
Chelmsford, England. DEPRAVED APPETITES OVERCOME When Christian Science first came to me, or rather, when
I first came to Christian Science, I did not have a very bad opinion of
myself. I thought I was a pretty good fellow. I had no religious views. I
seemed to be getting along as well as, if not better than, some
who PAGE 679 professed Christianity. So I drifted along until I was
led to investigate Christian Science. As I progressed in the understanding as gained from the
study of both Science and Health and the Bible, and commenced to know
myself, I found that a great change had been wrought in me. For fifteen
years I had used tobacco, both chewing and smoking; for ten years I had
been a victim of the drink habit, sometimes to excess; I was also addicted
to profanity. Christian Science removed these appetites. A stomach trouble
and other lesser ills, such as headache, a bad temper, an inordinate love
of money, etc., disappeared under the same benign influence. Those things
that seemed to be pleasure do not give me pleasure now. They were not real
pleasure. I have lost nothing, I have sacrificed nothing; but I have
gained everything, and not yet the whole, for I can see plenty yet to be
done. The condition of mind before investigating and after is
as different as black and white. As Mrs. Eddy says, "Not matter, but Mind,
satisfieth. - G. B. P., Henry, S. D. CATARRH OF THE STOMACH HEALED I should like to express my gratitude for the many
benefits I have received through Christian Science, and to mention the
great joy brought to me in the thought that man is not the helpless victim
of sin, disease, and death. Through its teachings I have been able to
overcome many errors. When Christian Science found me, one year ago last April,
in Chicago, I was suffering from catarrh PAGE 680 of the stomach, which had been very persistent, and I had
been a slave to the cigarette habit for eighteen years. Pain and weakness
had robbed me of all that one holds dear. The first symptoms of the
disease appeared about five years ago in the form of severe cramps of the
stomach, which finally developed into other symptoms of that painful
disease. I doctored continually, my diet daily becoming more rigid, until
three slices of toast became my daily allowance of food. In this condition I left the East for my home in Chicago,
hoping that a change of climate might benefit me. After spending six weeks
there and finding no relief, I concluded to return East. The Sunday
morning before leaving I picked up a Sunday paper, and glancing through
the religious items my eyes fell on the notices of Christian Science
church services. Curiosity led me to a service and I shall never forget
that morning or the surprise and joy it gave me to find that beautiful
church, and to know that so great a number actually believed that God does
heal the sick to-day. This brought a first ray of hope. The evening
service found me there again. Among the notices read was that of a reading
room, giving the location and time of opening. Monday morning found me
there promptly, and the first book I picked up was Science and Health
which opened a new world to me. I had dieted so long and suffered so much that I had a
morbid fear of food. When I had reached and read of "neither food nor the
stomach, without the consent of mortal mind, can make one suffer" (Science
and Health, p. 221), I left the reading room for something to eat. I found
a bakery near by, and bought a bag of cakes PAGE 681 which I ate, and shortly after I had a hearty dinner
without the least complaint from my stomach. From that time until now I have eaten anything that I
wished, and the craving for cigarettes, which I had for many years, has
entirely vanished. The understanding of Truth, which entirely relieved the
diseased stomach, healed also the morbid appetite for smoking. After
coming back East, I bought a copy of Science and Health, which I have read
daily, and find it a continual help in all the affairs of life. In my home and at work I find this Science a comfort and
source of strength. I have had many difficulties in the way, but it has
helped me out of them all. - W. E. B., New Britain, Conn. SPINAL DISEASE HEALED When I first heard of Christian Science, seven years ago,
I supposed that it was some old fad under a new name. In the little Texas
town where we then lived there were two or three Christian Scientists who
met at the home of one of their number to read the Lesson-Sermon. Meeting
one of them one day, I asked if unbelievers could come to their meetings.
She said that they could if they wanted to. I went, expecting them to do
something that I could laugh at when telling my friends about it. How
surprised I was to find out that they didn't do anything but read the
Bible and another book which they called Science and Health. I still
thought it all foolishness, but resolved to go to their meetings until I
found out all they believed. I continued to go until I began to understand
a little of what they knew, PAGE 682 not what they believed; and instead of spending my time
telling others what a silly thing Christian Science is, I am now trying to
find words to tell what a great and wonderful thing it is. I have been
healed of so-called incurable spinal disease of ten years' standing by
studying the Bible and Science and Health. Science and Health has been my
only teacher, and I wish to send my thanks to our dear Leader. There are no other Scientists near where we now live, but
I have the Quarterly and study the lessons by myself. I have five
small children, and Christian Science is invaluable to me in controlling
them, and in overcoming their common ills. They often help themselves and
each other to destroy their little hurts and fears. - Mrs. M. H., Oleta,
Okla. MANY TROUBLES OVERCOME In the second chapter of First Peter, ninth verse, I read
"that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
darkness into his marvellous light." The periodicals so wisely established
by our Leader give us one means of showing forth the praises of
Truth. From the darkness of physical pain and weariness into the
light of wholeness and joyousness in work and living, - from the darkness
of a clouded sight into the light of clearer vision, - from the darkness
of doubt and discord into the marvellous light of the reality of good, -
this is what a reading of the Christian Science textbook has done for
me. At the time the book was lent to me, I was
teach- PAGE 683 ing in the public schools of Chicago, and absences from
my work on account of illness were of frequent occurrence. For five weeks
I had been under the care of a specialist for an organic trouble, and he
said I would have to come as many more months before a cure could be
effected. At this time, Science and Health was brought to my notice. I
never thought of such a thing as being healed by the reading of the book,
but my thought was so changed that I was healed, not only of the organic
trouble, but of blurred eyesight, fatigue, and a train of other discordant
manifestations. I did not go back to the physician until four months later
to pay my bill (which, by the way, was more than five times the price of
the Science and Health I had purchased). From the time I read the book I
taught steadily without losing time from my work. I was helped, too, with
my work in many other ways. Through reading the textbook I learned that God has given
us strength to do all we have to do, and that it is the things we do not
have to do (the envying, strife, emulating, vainglorying, and so on) that
leave in their wake fatigue and discord. Gratitude to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and to her
faithful students, with whom I afterwards became associated, can be
expressed only by daily efforts to put into practice what has been taught.
- T. H. A., Madison, Wis. PREJUDICE OVERCOME I became interested in Christian Science somewhat over
three years ago when in much need of help. I had never been strong, and as
I grew older I grew PAGE 684 weaker and at last became so ill that life was a burden
to me. Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy was sent to me, in answer to
prayer, as I thought. I was a little afraid of all these new fads, as I
thought them, but I had not read far before I felt that I had found the
truth which makes us free. I was healed of stomach trouble, inward
weakness, and bilious attacks. One physician said I might have to undergo an operation
before I could get well, but, thanks to this Truth, I have found that the
only operation needed was the regeneration of this so-called human mind by
learning to know God. In many cases I have been able to help myself and
others. Words cannot express my thanks to Mrs. Eddy, and to all
who are bringing these great truths to the help of the whole world. - E.
E. M., Huntington, W. Va. A CONVINCING TESTIMONY I became interested in Christian Science some five years
ago, the practical nature of its statements appealing to me, and I must
say, at the outset, that with my little experience I have found it all and
more than I ever dreamt of realizing on this plane of existence. I am
satisfied that I have found Truth. God is indeed to me an ever-present
help. My little girl, some ten months old, was afflicted with
constipation. It was so severe I dreaded to go out anywhere with her, as I
knew not when she would be taken with a convulsion. I had tried all the
usual remedies in such cases, but it seemed to grow more obstinate. There
was a Christian Scientist living in PAGE 685 the same house with us, a Scientist who let her light
shine, and while she said little, I felt the reflection of Love. I had no
knowledge of the teachings of Christian Science, save that God was the
physician at all times. In my own way I believed He was all-powerful, and
I said to my husband one day, "I am through with medicine for baby. I am
just going to leave her in God's care and see what He will do. I have done
all I can." I did as I said, laid my burden at God's feet, and did not
pick it up again. In two days the child was perfectly natural, and has
since been free from the trouble. She is now six years of age. Some months
later a second test came. She woke up at nine o'clock at night crying and
holding her ear. There was to sense a gathering. I was alone. I took up my
Science and Health and Bible, but the more I worked the louder she
screamed. Error kept suggesting material remedies, but I said firmly: "No;
I shall not go back to error. God will help me." Just then I thought of my
own fear, how excessive it was, and a conversation I had with the
Scientist who first voiced the truth to me, came to mind. She said she
always found it helpful to treat herself and cast out her own fear before
treating a patient. I put baby down and again took up my Science and
Health, and these were the words I read: - "Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The
more difficult seems the material condition to be overcome by Spirit, the
stronger should be our faith and the purer our love. The Apostle John
says: 'There is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear' "
(Science and Health, p. 410). I looked up, the crying PAGE 686 had ceased, the child was smiling, and in a few minutes
asked to be put to bed. There has been no further trouble of that
kind. I have since seen the power of Truth overcome error of
many forms, including croup, whooping-cough, tonsilitis, etc. I am
thankful for all these proofs, but far more grateful am I for the
spiritual teaching to love, to forgive, to curb my tongue, and cease my
criticism. - M. A. H., Brockton, Mass. HEALED PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY I had been taking medicine continually for many years.
Finally I was taken suddenly ill and could not leave my room for about two
months, then I went away for three months, thinking that I should come
back and be able to continue my work. I improved very much, but the fear
of quick consumption was with my doctor and my family and friends, and I
was warned about the coming winter. Only too soon the fear manifested
itself. I had worked just three weeks when all the pains and aches
returned, and I had to go to bed as soon as I got home, so there was no
pleasure in living. My employer advised me to see my physician, and said
perhaps I should not work that winter. I then and there turned to
Christian Science. I could not afford to give up work and live away from
home, neither did I want to depend on doctors and medicine any longer. I
took the book and read it on my way to work, and at noon I lay down on a
couch instead of going out for luncheon and fell asleep. When I awoke I
was a different person, all pains and aches had gone, and I was free. I
was so PAGE 687 happy I could hardly contain myself; This healing was in October, l901, with no other help
than Science and Health, and soon I was relieved of other chronic
ailments. In February I was able to put away eyeglasses, which I had worn
ten years and a half for astigmatism. Oculists told me I would always have
to wear them. A month later my father asked me to help him, as he was
suffering so much from constipation, dyspepsia, and neuralgia. He had been
subsisting on bran, nearly starving himself until be was most miserable,
and his limbs seemed so cold that they were kept wrapped in blankets. I
felt very humble as he asked me, and told him I would have a practitioner
help him, as I had never treated any one; but he would not consent to have
any one but myself, and I finally told him I would try, but that he must
not hold Science responsible if he were not benefited, for my lack of
understanding, and not Science, would be at fault. At my request he read
Science and Health, ate whatever he wanted, and used no medicine in any
form. After two treatments I received word from him that he was healed of
that bondage of thirty years' standing. In view of all these signs which
followed my acceptance of Christian Science, I knew it must be true. - R.
L. A., Chicago, Ill. PAGE 688 A VOICE FROM THE SOUTH I was delicate from childhood, and my parents did not
think it was possible for me to live more than a few years. I lived,
however, although there was not much improvement in my health. Travel and
change of climate brought only temporary relief, and the physicians gave
me no hope that I would ever be well. As a last resort I began the study of Science and Health,
and before I had finished reading the book I realized that its author was
divinely commissioned to bring this spiritual message to a waiting world.
Through this reading my health was restored, and I was healed of one
disease that has been called incurable by all physicians. For this, together with the greater and higher blessing
of having the spiritual fact of being unfolded to me, I am most
grateful. What shall be rendered for such benefits received and
made possible by the consecrated life of our revered Leader? Only by
following the teachings of our textbook, and by loving obedience to her
gentle and timely admonitions can we show our true sense of gratitude. -
F. H. D., De Funiak Springs, Fla. HEALED AFTER MUCH SUFFERING A testimony given in the Journal led me to investigate
Christian Science, and I hope in return to be the means of leading some
one else to see the beauty of this saving truth, and to learn to know God
aright and man's relationship to Him. I know from
experience PAGE 689 that it is prejudice and misapprehension of what
Christian Science is, that keeps many from enjoying the blessings it
bestows. I had been taking patent medicines for several years, and
had been to one of the best sanitariums in this country, but was not
healed, although I received some benefit, for which I shall always feel
grateful, for I know the physicians did all they could for me. I sometimes
thought I had exhausted all remedies, but did not give up, for I felt
there must be something to heal me if I could find it. When in this state of mind Christian Science came to my
notice, and after reading several Journals, I purchased a copy of
Science and Health. I read for several days at odd times. I commenced to
improve, and in about a week I was healed of most of my ills, among which
were dyspepsia and nervous debility. Although I had heard about Christian Science before, I
had never heard that the reading of the Christian Science textbook had
ever effected the healing of anybody. I commenced reading to find out what
Christian Science was, but was surprised to find myself improving, and was
soon assured that it was the theology of Science and Health that healed
me, just as it was the theology of Jesus that healed the sick. It has also proved to me that there can be no Christian
Science Church that does not heal the sick and sinful, for healing follows
as the natural result of the teaching of Christian Science. The Bible has
become a new revelation to me, and I can read it much more understandingly
by the light received through the reading of Science and Health. - A. F.
M., Fairmont, Minn. PAGE 690 THROUGH GREAT TRIBULATIONS When I attempt to make plain what Christian Science has
done for me, words fail me. For twenty years I was a constant sufferer, my
spine having been injured when I was very young. As a little child I
suffered so much that I would look up to the stars and beg God, who I
thought might be up there somewhere, to take me away from the earth, - I
was so tired. A great wall of pain seemed to separate me from the
pleasures enjoyed by others, and I could not explain how I felt, because
no one could understand. Years passed, and I saw my earthly happiness
swept away; my heart was broken and I did not know what to do. I cried for
help, day after day and night after night, although I was not sure what
God was, nor where He was. I only knew that I suffered, and was in need of
help, and that there was no earthly help for either mind or body. I loved
purity, truth, and right always, and this made evil seem a most terrible
reality. I was unable to cope with it, and so found myself in despair.
This was my condition when I commenced reading Science and Health. I was
ready for its message, and in about ten days there came a wonderful
insight into the truth which heals the sick and binds up the
broken-hearted. All pain left me, I had a glimpse of the new heavens and
the new earth, and was beginning to be fed by Love divine. I had suffered for years with insomnia. That night I
rested like a child, and awoke the next morning well and happy. A flood of
light daily illumined the pages of the "little book," and the revelation
it holds for all PAGE 691 came to my waiting heart. " The peace which passeth all
understanding " rested upon me, and joy too deep for words transformed my
life. My prayers were answered, for I had found God in Christian
Science. The Bible, which I knew very little about, became my
constant study, my joy, and my guide. The copy which I bought at the time
of my healing is marked from Genesis to Revelation. It was so constantly
in my hands for three years that the cover became worn and the leaves
loose, so it has been laid away for a new one. Two and three o'clock in
the morning often found me poring over its pages, which grew more and more
sacred to me every day, and the help I received therefrom was wonderful,
for which I can find no words to express iny gratitude. - I. L., Los
Angeles, Cal. A HELPFUL TESTIMONY Words cannot express my gratitude to God for Christian
Science. When I first read Science and Health, I had tried every remedy I
had ever heard of. I felt no change in mind or body that I was conscious
of until I read page 16 of the chapter on " Prayer," in Science and
Health. The first words of the "spiritual sense of the Lord's Prayer,"
telling of our Father-Mother God, gave me a glimpse of heavenly light. I
stopped and reasoned, and remembered the teachings of Jesus. The truth of
man's spiritual being dawned on my consciousness. I realized I was not
subject to mortal laws, as I had been taught all my life. I could not
explain how I knew this, but I knew it. Through Christian Science, Mrs.
Eddy had given me what PAGE 692 I had longed for all my life, - a Mother, a perfect
"Father-Mother God." I had known there was a great lack, and at that time
I believe the orthodox world had but half of the truth which Jesus came to
establish. When I read, "Give us this day our daily bread," and its
spiritual interpretation, my tears began to flow; all the years of
bitterness, hate, and fear melted away. I knew then, as I know now, that
nothing satisfies but Love. That day began the outward and inward
conscious healing, - mental and physical. There never came a doubt! I
absolutely knew that Christian Science was and is the truth. Money,
friends, materiality, are nothing beside the conscious knowledge of God,
man, and the universe. I did not need treatment from any one, - Science and
Health was so clear and beautiful. I could not understand the Bible
before, but I found it illumined now that I had a little understanding of
Christian Science. For ten years I have not had to lie down in the daytime
from any sickness. I am now, and have been all these years, the picture of
perfect health. When I first read Science and Health I weighed one hundred
and four pounds; I now weigh over one hundred and sixty. This physical
health is not to be compared to my happiness, - my harmony that nothing
can take away, - because it is the gift of God. Nothing has shown me the
perversity of the human mind more than in its conclusions in regard to my
healing. Even when I felt and knew that I was healed, people constantly
said, because I was thin and delicate looking, " You are not well, any one
could look at you and know it." Now that I am fleshy, they say, "You don't
look PAGE 693 as if you ever had a pain in all your life. You could not
have had consumption." When I think what my life was before I had Christian
Science, of the six years of colds, suffering, and coughing, not to
mention the unhappiness, I want to "work, watch, and pray " for the Mind
of Christ, that I may work rightly in God's vineyard, and to know that in
truth, what belongs to one belongs to all, - that one God, one Life,
Truth, and Love is all. - A. C. L., Kansas City, Kans. DESIRE FOR LIQUOR AND TOBACCO DISAPPEARED I first heard of Christian Science four years ago. At
that time drinking and smoking were my comforters. I had no other
companionship. I had lived almost constantly from childhood in an evil
atmosphere. Though I was far from being satisfied with my condition, I
failed to see how to better it until I read Science and Health. I used
occasionally to listen to a sermon, but sermons did not give me any more
comfort than I derived from my pipe, hence I concluded that church-going
could not satisfy me and I preferred drinking and smoking. When I began to
read Science and Health, I saw it offered something substantial. After a
few months' study all desire for drinking and smoking disappeared. I did
not give them up; I made no sacrifices, I simply found something better. I
might mention that I had smoked ever since I can remember. I used to smoke
years before I left school, and, like most Englishmen, loved my pipe, and
would almost prefer to miss a meal rather than to go without my smoke. I
used to think it gave me comfort. During my four years' study of Christian Science
I PAGE 694 have not spent a cent for doctors or medicine, neither
have I lost a day from my work on account of sickness, which compares
wonderfully with the previous four years. I take a great interest and
pleasure in reading the Bible and studying the lessons in the
Quarterly. The Bible used to be a most mysterious book to me, but
Science and Health makes it a most precious book, making its meaning
clearer, plainer, and simpler. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mrs.
Eddy and to the friend who invited me to attend the service held in the
Auditorium years ago. I also wish to acknowledge the benefit I have had
from the Journal and the Sentinel. They have helped me
wonderfully. If the value of Science and Health and these publications
were measured as business men value things, by the results or benefits
they bring, they certainly would be priceless to me. It would be
impossible to measure their value, as I have got something from Science
and Health that all the money in the world could not buy. - H. P. H.,
Chicago, Ill. AN EXPRESSION OF LOVING GRATITUDE In the spring of 1893, while studying for the ministry,
Science and Health was placed in my hands, and the truth contained therein
at once became to me the pearl of great price. I literally devoured the
book, reading it about eighteen hours a day. Its originality was
startling, upsetting my preconceived opinions of God, man, and creation.
Two sentences especially appealed to me: "The foundation of mortal discord
is a false sense of man's origin" (p. 262), and, "For right PAGE 695 reasoning, there should be but one fact before the
thought, namely, spiritual existence " (p. 492). I had found the keynote
to the Science of being as taught in this marvellous book, and persevered
until a glimpse of the new heavens and new earth came, for the old were
passing away. With this spiritual uplifting came also physical
health. All my life had been spent in semi-invalidism, and I
seemed destined to a life of suffering. In three weeks after beginning
Science and Health, to my joyful surprise I found myself a well man, sound
physically, and uplifted spiritually. Life was being lived from a new
basis, the old things of personal sense were passing away and all things
becoming new. I learned that the infinite good is the one Friend upon whom
we can call at all times, an all-powerful, ever-present help in every time
of trouble; that His children are really governed in peace and harmony by
spiritual law, and as the right understanding of it is gained, the other
things soon follow, bringing a peace the human concept can never
know. For the last twelve years my whole time has been devoted
to Christian Science practice, and I have seen nearly every so-called
incurable disease healed by its beneficent influence. God bless our dear
Leader! She has set before us an open door, which no man can shut, and it
is but a question of time when the world will know her better and love her
more. - E. E. N., Washington, D. C. HEALED OF BRIGHT'S DISEASE August 18, 1902, I was taken down with what three doctors
pronounced Bright's disease, and they stated PAGE 696 that I would not live a year, or if I did succeed in
living longer, I would be mentally unbalanced. On December 6, 1902, my
wife presented me with Science and Health as a birthday gift, and it was
indeed the best present I ever received. Since that time I have been
reading it and attending the Second Church here. I have not used any
medicine since, nor has any one in our home. I am in the finest of health
and have lost all my bad habits. This truth has brought a great spiritual
uplifting to all of us, and words cannot express my gratitude to Mrs. Eddy
and to all who have helped me to the same. - T. V., Chicago,
Ill. FIBROID TUMOR DESTROYED When quite young I was impressed that the Bible was not
properly interpreted by the preachers, for I could not conceive of a God
of wrath who was unjust enough to allow His little ones to suffer pain,
misery, and death. I had hope, however, that some day the truth would be
revealed to an awakening world, but little did I dream that even then
there was one of God's noble women who reflected sufficient purity and
holiness to entertain the "angel of his presence," and commune with the
true God. I was believed to be predisposed to scrofula, so that I
was not a strong or attractive child, and my girlhood and womanhood were
scarcely ever free from dread of the laws of matter and lack of strength.
The climax was reached when a physician informed me, after weeks of
treatment, that I had a fibroid tumor, which required an operation. The
conditions were most trying and I PAGE 697 was heartsick and discouraged when, in January, 1893, I
heard of Christian Science through a letter from a dear sister who had
been greatly benefited thereby, and I resolved to go at once to a
practitioner, for I believed it to be the long-lost truth that would make
me free. It meant a great effort and sacrifice for me to go to Chicago at
that time, but divine Love opened the way and I reached there in March. I
had been in my sister's home but a few days, reading Science and Health
almost constantly, when I asked her if I had not better have treatment for
the tumor, which had given me so much trouble. She said to me, "You feel
well, do you not?" I assured her that I never had felt so well as I had
since reaching there. "Well," she said with decision, "your tumor is gone,
for God never made it," and her statements were true, for it has never
been heard of from that day. Since then I have been healed of chronic sore
throat, hay fever, and other troubles, and I know that Christian Science
is the truth. - B. W. S., Coldwater, Mich. LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS I have received so much benefit from the testimonies in
the Sentinel and Journal that I send mine, hoping it may
cheer some struggling heart. I was reared by kind and loving Christian
parents and was a member of an orthodox church for over twenty years, but
I was never satisfied. I was filled with fear and bound down by the false
gods of this world, - sin, disease, and poverty; consequently every way I
turned, and in everything I attempted to do, I was met with disappointment
and failure; but God was leading me into a different life. PAGE 698 My interest was first awakened to Christian Science about
thirteen years ago, and I have been a willing disciple ever since. Through
the reading of Science and Health I was healed of chronic catarrh and
laryngitis, and it also enabled me to lay off my glasses. Christian
Science has not only helped me mentally, morally, and physically, but the
greatest blessing of all is the spiritual uplifting which enabled me to
know that God is both able and willing to care for His children, if we are
but willing to do our part and bear the cross which, though it seems heavy
at times, always brings a sure reward. Christian Science has not only
helped me, but it has enabled me to help others. The Bible is a new book to me. I now see what Jesus meant
when he said, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest." My heart goes out in gratitude to Mrs. Eddy for the work
she has done and is still doing for the world, and to God I am most
grateful that He has guided me into the truth, that I may have life, and
have it more abundantly. - Mrs. M. M., Chicago, Ill. A PRICELESS BOON I have long desired to express my gratitude for what
Christian Science has done, through reading Science and Health, for me and
my family. I was healed of profanity, the tobacco habit, and a bad temper,
through the understanding that man is the image and likeness of God. I was
also healed of kidney disease and rheumatism. What surprised me most,
however, was this; I had had one finger thrown out of place some fifteen
years PAGE 699 before. It was crooked, but it became straight and
useful. A bone in my foot had also been broken, leaving a bunch, which
disappeared after I studied Christian Science and received class
instruction. I am an entirely well man and for this I am very grateful. I
am also glad that I have learned enough of Truth and love to be able to
heal others. I wish to express my thankful appreciation of our Leader,
also of the Sentinel and the Journal. - N. R. F., Salina,
Kans. HEALED OF CONSUMPTION AND ASTHMA It is a pleasure to acknowledge the great benefits which
have come to me through Christian Science. It is nearly ten years since I
began the investigation of the subject by borrowing a copy of Science and
Health. I had become a hopeless sufferer from asthma, - the disease being
so aggravated at times as to make breathing almost impossible. I was also
a victim of that dread disease, consumption. It was hereditary, nearly all
my family on both sides having passed away with it. I took up Christian
Science very much as a drowning man catches at a straw. However, I was
much interested as soon as I began to understand it, and having read the
book nearly all my waking hours for a few weeks, I became so much better
and so convinced of its truth, that myself and wife destroyed all the
medicines in the home, and have never since used any remedy except
Christian Science. I continued to study and to put into practice the
teaching as best I knew, and was restored to health in a few
months. Prior to my investigation of Christian Science I had been
from boyhood an outspoken infidel, had read that PAGE 700 class of literature extensively, and had no desire for
anything of a religious nature, - the orthodox teaching never having
appealed to me as a rational exposition of an all-wise God. I now have no
more doubt of the truth of the teaching of the great Way-shower, Jesus of
Nazareth, than I doubt the correctness of the basic law of mathematics or
music. I have no doubt whatever that Christian Science saved me from the
grave, and thus proved a most practicable and efficient help in time of
greatest need. However great my physical suffering has been, I can but
feel glad that through it the door of consciousness was opened to let in
the light of Truth. Thus I have progressed a little way in the knowledge
of God, good, as revealed in Christian Science. - C. B., Webb City,
Mo. A GRATEFUL TESTIMONY "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
path. " This has been proven to me in every way. When Christian
Science came to me, I was a wreck, physically, mentally, and financially;
but since the reading of Science and Health turned my thought toward the
light, I have found that, as far as I am willing to receive the word and
live it, all comforts are supplied me. I am especially grateful for the
spiritual help. I know that things which I did and thought last year I
would not do or think this year, and am satisfied. Through the careful and
prayerful study of Science and Health I have been lifted from sickness to
health, from sorrow to peace, from lack to plenty, and, the most beautiful
of all, from darkness to light. - Mrs. H. S. C., Seattle, Wash.
ful in every good
work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. -
PAUL.
to material sense
it was wonderful. As I walked I kept saying, "Wonderful, wonderful,
wonderful," and tried to understand "the scientific statement of being" by
repeating portions at a time, then pondering over them. I read the book
four times in succession, and every time I found more and more to aid in
the understanding.