Testimony of Healing August 6, 1927 Issue

Late in the year 1912, when discussing religion in general...

Carrie M. Davison

Late in the year 1912, when discussing religion in general and prayer in particular with a friend, I was asked if I had ever read the chapter on Prayer in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. My answer was of a nature to imply that I had not, nor did I expect to do so. After speaking of the great beauty and sublimity of the chapter, my friend proffered me the loan of the book, which was refused.

At this time I was quite active in the church in which I had been reared, and in addition to the various church activities, a course of systematic Bible study had been earnestly pursued for two or three years. A former pastor, evidently observing my desire for a better understanding of Truth, had kindly selected and lent me books on theology which were believed to promote advanced thought. The foregoing incidents are recounted to show how all unconsciously old beliefs were passing, and that the soil was being prepared for the seed of Truth, which was to come from the reading of Science and Health.

My meager information on the subject of Christian Science consisted wholly of reports diametrically opposed to its real nature. Some days later the discussion alluded to above recurred to me, and simultaneously came the thought that a saintly old friend of mine had been the recipient of this book, the name of which I did not exactly remember. From her the book was sought and secretly read, as I feared opposition from those about me. Not finding the queer or radical statements which the book was believed to contain, I continued reading, with no thought, however, of either acceptance or condemnation. During this early period of investigation there was no thought of recourse to it for physical healing, although the need was urgent. For twenty-five years a stubborn case of bowel disorder had existed, which was believed to be hereditary and from which medicine and surgery had brought scant relief. Then came the determination to turn for help to spiritual healing as taught and demonstrated by Christ Jesus and clearly set forth in our day by Mrs. Eddy in the Christian Science textbook. For one month there was no action of the bowels, and part of the time a mental state described as "the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear" (Science and Health, p. 566) prevailed. A testimony from the Sentinel which described a similar experience, coupled with a reference from the textbook (p. 167), "Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized," gave much needed assurance, and complete healing resulted after a period of about three months, through understanding gained from reading the textbook. Some time later, an illness of several weeks' duration was met and overcome by Truth with the help of a loving practitioner. Many other healings have occurred in my home, acknowledged and unacknowledged, for which I am very grateful.