About 1905 Christian Science was first brought to my attention...

IDA CRAIG HACKETT

About 1905 Christian Science was first brought to my attention through the healing of my father, who had suffered with asthma for many years. After all materials aids had failed him and the doctors could do no more, a relative brought the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, into our home, and through the reading of this book my father was healed in a few hours. He is now well and active, and has never had a return of the trouble.

Some time later I was suffering physically and mentally with a great sense of grief, and one Thanksgiving morning as I passed a Christian Science church I was prompted to follow the crowd and go in to the service. At the service I was completely healed. So grateful was I for this healing that I could hardly wait until the following day to find a practitioner. Through her loving guidance I began a systematic study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook.

I was so helped, so uplifted, through this study, that I became like a new woman. Other problems began to work out; a sense of fear and worry that had followed me from childhood disappeared. "Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." Then came the realization of the nature of true substance, and I began in a measure to reflect the substance of Spirit; and in proportion as I have done this I have received all that is good and right for me to have. In the same ratio that I have given time, love, loyalty, and activity in my work, I have received good. Many physical healings have taken place. Headaches that often kept me in bed for days have been overcome; a sprained ankle was healed in a few hours; influenza was quickly met through Christian Science treatment.

Through reliance on Truth and confidence in God's protecting power I was saved from drowning when no human hand was near to help. I slipped and fell into the swirling water of a rushing river. Not knowing how to swim, I could only turn to God. As I came to the surface I had no fear, and repeated the line, "[DIVINE LOVE] is my shepherd; I shall not want" (Science and Health, p. 578). I did not sink again, and as I kept above the water I could clearly realize the words of our Leader: "Adhesion, cohesion, and attraction are properties of Mind" (ibid., p. 124). In a few moments I was swept to where I could grasp a projecting rock, and was able to pull myself up on to the bank. This was indeed a beautiful proof to me of God's loving care.

It has truly been a great privilege to be a member of The Mother Church and also of a branch church, for it has given me an opportunity to become active in working for our beloved Cause. I am so grateful for class instruction, which made it possible for me to go on with the work I love. "Truly God is good to Israel," as the Psalmist declared. I am grateful for all the periodicals and for the Church Manual. Words seem inadequate to express my gratitude to God; to Christ Jesus, our Redeemer; and to our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, who had the purity, love, and courage to give this healing truth to the world.—

(Mrs.) IDA CRAIG HACKETT, Stockton, California.

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Testimony of Healing

Out of gratitude for what Christian Science has done for...

January 21, 1928

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