My first healing in Christian Science...

Laura R. Sivley with contributions from Clarence Bostick Sivley

My first healing in Christian Science was that of the smoking habit. This habit left me in 1928 when I became interested in Science. I came into it for a more satisfying religion rather than for healing, and I wanted to put its rules into practice in order to prove their accuracy. The first demonstration of healing required little effort on my part, except that of holding to the truth which Mrs. Eddy gives on page 404 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" under the marginal heading, "Appetites to be abandoned." After that I asked myself, "What next can I prove?"

The thought then came to me to give up all use of medicine, including laxatives and drugs. I reasoned that since God is the Life and creator of man, His image, it would seem very senseless to suppose that He needs any help in governing His universe. My freedom from the use of medicine was instantaneous, and so were many healings that followed.

There were, however, two outstanding healings which took longer. For several years I suffered from asthma. On one occasion I had made a business appointment, and it seemed important that I keep it. I had been confined to my bed for three weeks prior to this date and was unable to shake off the mesmerism of illness. I called a practitioner the afternoon of my appointment, and she lovingly told me that I could do anything that was my duty to do. I felt it was my duty to keep the appointment; therefore I started to get ready. I went out as scheduled, kept the appointment without any adverse effects, and found myself free from the mesmerism that had bound me. Some further work in Science was done regarding the asthma, and I have been free from it for over fourteen years.

As Christian Scientists we recognize that illness is not a punishment sent by God but an illusion of material sense to be dispelled by spiritual understanding, as a recent demonstration proved to me. While I was riding through the mountains recently one member of the party said, "My ears are popping." I was not alert and said, "I wish I knew what is meant by the term 'ears popping.'" From that day for the following two weeks I suffered from a painful ear condition.

When the pain became very intense I turned my thought to God and asked, "What am I not doing in order to be free?" The answer came, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10). Several days later, while I was studying the Lesson-Sermon from the Christian Science Quarterly, the subject of which was "Life," I read (Science and Health, p. 331), "Life is Mind, the creator reflected in His creations." Then I realized that I had been worshiping matter, and I turned more earnestly to Spirit. A great sense of peace and joy came over me. That night the ear began to drain and was soon entirely well. This experience helped me to realize man's dominion.

I am grateful to our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, and to our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy. Also I am grateful for membership in The Mother Church and for class instruction. My prayer is that I may serve divine Mind first, last, and always.—(Mrs.) Laura R. Sivley, San Mateo, California.

I wish to verify my wife's testimony and also to express my gratitude for several healings which I have received through Christian Science.

Clarence Bostick Sivley

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Signs of the Times

November 8, 1952

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