I was led to investigate Christian Science...

Elizabeth M. Fournier

I was led to investigate Christian Science when a friend was quickly and permanently healed of what was said to be an incurable malignant condition. Recognizing that this healing resulted from the application of Christian Science, I began to attend the church services and lectures and to study the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly. As I have continued doing this, old habits of thinking have dropped away, and improved conditions have taken place.

Although I was reared by Christian parents and was taught the Bible from early childhood, yet I had little idea of its spiritual meaning. Mrs. Eddy's book Science and Health is truly the key to the Scriptures, and it has revealed the meaning of many Scriptural passages to me. It has taught me to turn to God, the only power, to solve every problem in human experience.

Almost the first healing I experienced was that of quinsy, which at times hindered me greatly in my profession as a singer. I was healed as the result of one treatment given by someone who was also a beginner in Christian Science. This healing occurred many years ago, and there has been no return of the condition.

Mental surgery has been experienced several times. Broken bones have mended without the aid of a surgeon. On one occasion, when I was on the street, I stumbled, and on regaining my balance I heard a bone snap in the lower part of my leg. I declared the completeness and perfection of man as God's image, and I knew that an idea of God cannot include anything unlike God. This gave me courage and strength to walk on to my home, a distance of five city blocks. My heart over-flowed with gratitude and humility as I sang these words of a hymn (Christian Science Hymnal, No. 139):

I walk with Love along the way,
And O, it is a holy day.

This occurred on a Thursday, and on Saturday I was able to go on a boat and motor trip. Within a week the healing was complete.

Very early in my study of Christian Science I saw that some of the elements of personality for which I had worked so hard as a singer must be put out of consciousness as no part of my true self, the image and likeness of God. I was aided by the definition of man, beginning on page 475 of Science and Health, especially the part which defines man as "that which has not a single quality underived from Deity; that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker." There has come to me a more spiritual sense of music and of singing. False personal ambition has fallen away. Criticism has become more constructive and less destructive.

On one occasion I was on my way to sing when I was seized with hiccups. At first I was almost terrified, but on entering the auditorium I saw a Christian Science practitioner sitting near the back. I went to him to ask help, but was unable to speak. He saw my need and said, "Yes, I'll help you." That assurance broke the mesmerism, and I was less fearful. The condition persisted until I rose to sing the first song and even until the end of the introduction. Then without fear I opened my mouth and found myself singing as freely as ever. I was reminded of the Bible assurance (Ps. 81:10), "Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it."

I am increasingly grateful for class instruction. It gave me a better understanding of the Principle of Christian Science, which is taught through our impersonal pastor, the Bible and Science and Health.—(Miss) Elizabeth M. Fournier, Seattle, Washington.

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