|
Science and
Health
with Key to the Scriptures
by Mary Baker Eddy
Chapter 18
— Fruitage
Wherefore by their fruits
ye shall know them.
— JESUS.
That ye might walk worthy
of the Lord unto all pleasing,
being fruitful in every good
work, and increasing in the
knowledge of God.
— PAUL.
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
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? 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 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 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
marvellous 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.
SPINAL TROUBLE AND
INDIGESTION HEALED
For many years I have relied
wholly upon Christian Science for
healing; and I am glad to
acknowledge the spiritual help
and many other benefits received
from following its teachings. I
have great cause to be grateful
to God and to our revered Leader,
Mrs. Eddy, for these blessings,
which her discovery and love for
humanity made possible. I had
read but a few pages in our
textbook, "Science and Health
with Key to the Scriptures," when
I saw that it was the truth, and
that it contained something I had
thought could never be found in
this existence. Proofs of healing
came immediately, and I was able
to do much useful work without a
sense of burden or fatigue.
As time went on I learned the
nothingness of discouragement,
and understood in a measure that
God is my Life and that all
action is in divine Mind. I was
healed of spinal trouble; and
nervousness and weakness faded
away and were replaced by health
and strength. A larger sense of
joy and gratitude did much
towards overcoming indigestion,
which had caused suffering for a
number of years. A sprained ankle
was cured in a few hours by
applying what I understood of
Christian Science, and by holding
steadfastly to the statement our
Leader makes on page 384 of
Science and Health, that "God
never punishes man for doing
right, for honest labor, or for
deeds of kindness." The following
day I walked two miles with no
sense of discomfort. Beliefs of
heredity and lack have been
overcome, and self-will,
self-love, and pride are less in
evidence. — Miss G. W.,
Brookline, Mass.
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, 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.
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
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 secondhand 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 held in such bondage
and have been liberated by the
same means, can know the eager
joy of the first perusal of that
wonderful book.
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
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 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 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 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. 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
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. 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 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 longstanding
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,
notwithstanding 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
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 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 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 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,
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 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 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 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 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. 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, rosycheeked
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 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 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 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 unable 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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 Saturday,
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."
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 faithful 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, 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 of 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 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 fellowmen 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 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, 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, 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 he 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 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 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 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 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., Pittsburgh, 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, 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.
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
my 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 to-day 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.
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
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 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. 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. 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 boardingschool. 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 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 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. 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 uplifting
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 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 fulness 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 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 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.
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 progress 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.
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 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
diarrhoea 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 commenced 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
for years. I went in silent
prayer to God, that I might see
the light and truth which would
enable me to become 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
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 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 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 "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 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 LessonSermon. 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, 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 teaching 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 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 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 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 happy I
could hardly contain myself; 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.
This healing was in October,
1901, 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 he 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.
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 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.
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
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 my 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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.
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 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.
|
