Testimony of Healing September 11, 1971 Issue

In the spring of 1910, I was asked to stay with three little boys...

Berniece L. Derrick

In the spring of 1910, I was asked to stay with three little boys while their parents went to another city. As I was employed by the father as a bookkeeper and knew the children very well, I consented. After the children were in bed, I looked around for something to read. There were not any books, except one on the table in the living room. I picked it up and saw the title was Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. The word "science" appealed to me and also the word "health."

I had never heard of this book, nor of Mrs. Eddy. However, I started to read the first chapter and thought the language most beautiful and the thoughts so logical. I don't remember how long I read, but I had such a peaceful night. I had never been a strong child while growing up, but never had had a sickness, except so-called childhood diseases. After this introduction to Christian Science I bought my own copy of Science and Health and began its study and have never stopped. During the first several months of reading, many discordant conditions were overcome—headaches, constipation, and extreme nervousness. In the orthodox Sunday School I had learned many Bible verses, and they were very comforting, as I had great faith in them. But when I learned more of the interpretation the study of Christian Science gave me, they meant much more. I gained the spiritual understanding that produced results.

I was beginning to live the qualities of God, such as being more loving and expressing humility. Mrs. Eddy says in Miscellaneous Writings (p. 356), "Humility is lens and prism to the understanding of Mind-healing; it must be had to understand our textbook; it is indispensable to personal growth, and points out the chart of its divine Principle and rule of practice." She also says (Science and Health, p. 264), "We must look where we would walk, and we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being."