Testimony of Healing November 24, 1923 Issue

Christian Science first came to my attention when, as a...

Eleanor Creighton

Christian Science first came to my attention when, as a young girl, I visited a relative in a city where its teachings had been established. Indeed, at that time I experienced a healing. I had been suffering for some months with severe indigestion and had been under a doctor's care. The second day of my visit, after some explanation of Christian Science had been given me and treatment received, I realized that I was perfectly well and could eat anything set before me without any after effect of suffering. I thought this very wonderful; and from that time on I knew that the teachings of Christian Science embraced nothing but good. However, I was satisfied with the church to which I belonged, loved its services, and took an active part in its work; and while, as I have said, I knew Christian Science to be all good, I put it aside for a more "convenient season," with the feeling that in any event I could not live up to its requirements.

The years went on; and having moved to a large city I led a very busy life for nearly twenty years, enjoying in all that time almost perfect health, missing less than a fortnight from my duties during that period through illness. Then quite suddenly there came a severe nervous collapse, accompanied by extreme exhaustion. I need not dwell on the distressing symptoms; only those who have had a like experience can understand what one seems called upon to endure. Finding that the rest which I had been advised to take was proving of no benefit, after several weeks I struggled back to my duties, clinging to the thought always that only God could give me strength to perform them; and this strength was given in the most wonderful way from day to day. A few months later I was called upon to give up my position and assume new duties; and still feeling very much exhausted and depressed, I returned to my old home, where, living quite near me, I found a friend who was an earnest student of Christian Science.

I may say that in the years which had intervened since I first heard of its teachings, I had attended occasional lectures and Christian Science church services; but always the feeling had persisted that I could not live up to its requirements. Now, however, after some talks with my friend, I purchased a copy of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and began to read faithfully, resolved at least to do my part, though light seemed to break very slowly. By degrees I began to realize what Christian Science really stands for, and that its truths can be assimilated only through humility and the patient endeavor to correct one's faults of character. Then I began to regain physical strength; and while the healing was slow, I am thankful that during that time the beginning of a spiritual foundation was laid through the constant reading of Science and Health and the other writings of our inspired Leader. From childhood I had always read and loved the Bible, and had been taught its truths; but there seemed to be many irreconcilable statements in it. Now, with that true "Key" to the Scriptures, which we possess in our textbook, it has become illumined and entirely logical.

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