Many times I have had the opportunity to realize the proof of the opening statement by Mrs. Eddy in the Preface of Science and Health: "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings."

One such incident occurred quite a few years ago, while I was a young boy. I had been troubled on several occasions with earache, and in cold weather wearing a hat was a precaution that seemed necessary. In the summer I also had to take care while swimming to prevent water from getting into my ears.

One summer day, after coming home from the lake, I was confronted with this problem, only this time the pain was more severe and grew steadily worse. Shortly after lying down I began to bleed from the ear and mouth, and I presented a very alarming picture to the rest of the family. I asked for treatment from a Christian Science practitioner, and within the hour the pain vanished, the ear opened and drained, and I was outside playing, completely free!

Later it was learned that this was a case of mastoiditis, and, according to material law, it would have required a serious operation. Since then I have enjoyed all sports in any weather without the slightest concern for my ears, and I very seldom wear a hat.

Further proof of the permanency of this healing came while I was serving in the United States Navy. I volunteered for submarine duty. After being accepted I was told that a very rigid examination was required, including much attention to the ears because of the pressures we would undergo both during training and while serving. At this point fear suggested it might be better for me to drop out and leave well enough alone. However, I did not feel this was the right answer, so I contacted a practitioner and was assured that if this was my choice of service I should go ahead and not fear anything the Navy would put me through. I was also reminded that once a problem is met in Christian Science it is permanently healed.

The physical examination was all they told me it would be. Much attention was given to my ears before and after entering the compression chamber. When I left the compression chamber, I was examined first by one and then by another Navy doctor, who were both very interested in what they discovered in my ear. They asked me if I had ever had a problem with my ear, since at some time a new eardrum had grown over the old one. I quietly thanked God. The healing effects of God's presence and protection followed me throughout my entire enlistment, making it a harmonious and pleasant experience.

I had a healing of blood poisoning a few years ago. While I was at work one day, my hand got caught in a piece of equipment. Upon freeing my hand I went on with my work, completely dismissing the incident as unreal because I knew God never made such a condition. However, my realization of the truth was not clear enough. By noon my hand had begun to swell. I called for treatment from a practitioner, and by that afternoon the evidence of poisoning had abated.

A few days later I ran several splinters into the palm of the same hand, and it was necessary to use tweezers to remove them because they were in deep and were quite large. That night the evidence of poisoning returned, and I had a high temperature. The practitioner was called again, but she had awakened before my call and was already doing prayerful work for me in Christian Science. During the rest of the night, while I slept, my hand opened and drained.

I looked up the word inflammation in the dictionary and found it to mean in part "anger." I quickly realized I had been expressing this undesirable trait of character and was so grateful when this was apparent to me so that I could rule it out of thought. With newfound joy and gratitude for this awakening to the truth healing of the hand was rapid, and within a few days every sign of injury had disappeared, never to return. The healing was complete.

I shall always be grateful for the foundation I received while attending the Christian Science Sunday School from the ages of five to twenty and for the priceless gift of class instruction.

Charles Wilkins
Park Ridge, Illinois