How grateful I am that I had the privilege of attending a Christian Science Sunday School when very young! The truths taught there gave me a firm foundation upon which to build my life.

When about seven years old, I was stricken with a disease later diagnosed as epilepsy. My father was not a Christian Scientist, and he reluctantly agreed to allow my mother to engage a Christian Science practitioner to treat me through prayer. When I did not seem to improve, my father took me to a medical doctor. Many tests were given, involving several trips to the hospital, but there was no relief of the problem under medical attention, and Christian Science treatment was begun again.

The practitioner came to our home almost daily, and he talked to me of God, of the teachings of Christ Jesus, and of Mrs. Eddy and her lifework. He particularly had me study the answer to the question "What is man?" on page 475 of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. The first sentence reads: "Man is not matter; he is not made up of brain, blood, bones, and other material elements."

During these years I missed a great deal of school, but through acknowledging God as the only source of my intelligence, I was always able to keep up with my class.

There were times when I felt free from the attacks; however, the symptoms would again appear, sometimes in a more serious form. I attended college and later married a man who was very understanding about the problem, although he was not a student of Christian Science at that time. When the symptoms became very acute, my husband insisted that I again go to a physician. We went to a psychiatrist who, after giving me extended tests, informed us there was no cure but that the disease could be controlled with the use of barbiturates.

I started taking the drug and soon found myself depending on it for my freedom. This went on for a few years, and although the condition did seem to be controlled, I was never free from fear and a sense of extreme nervousness.

At last I took my stand for Truth and spiritual healing in Christian Science, knowing that as long as I continued to rely on material aid I would never have my complete freedom. I stopped taking the drug, although at first I hid the bottle in the bottom of a dresser drawer, "just in case." The inconsistency of this act was revealed to me, and it became very clear that either I trusted God completely or I didn't. I knew I must make a decision. I also realized that the error of disease, regardless of its name tag, had no reality; it was a lie. I then threw the bottle in the trash, once and for all. By taking this stand I received my complete healing. This took place over fifteen years ago, and the healing has been permanent.

Words are inadequate to express my deep gratitude to God for Christ Jesus, whose healing of the epileptic boy in Matthew gave me much encouragement (17:15-18): "Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is...sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water....And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour."

I am grateful for Mrs. Eddy for having revealed this wonderful religion. Class instruction was a glorious experience.

This testimony would not be complete without expressing gratitude for my husband, who has become a dedicated Christian Scientist, and who gave me much love and support when it was so needed.

Our three daughters have all attended the Christian Science Sunday School, and the truths they learned there are also helping them to build their lives upon a firm foundation—upon the Christ.

(Mrs.) Beatrice Maddox
Cockeysville, Maryland

It is with gratitude that I verify the healing related by my wife. At the time this healing took place I was not a student of Christian Science. Later this demonstration of God's healing power was a source of inspiration in my early study of Christian Science.

We have experienced many wonderful healings in raising a family of three girls. Christian Science has been a constant source of strength for which we are extremely grateful.

Delmar W. Maddox