It has been more than twenty-one years since I first began a rather desultory study of Christian Science.

But I must have had some "spiritual growth," and gained "better health and morals" to some degree, because from that humble start have come numerous healings, mainly through my own prayerful treatments and without use of material medicines. I am referring above to Mary Baker Eddy's statement in the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (p. 485): "Think not to thwart the spiritual ultimate of all things, but come naturally into Spirit through better health and morals and as the result of spiritual growth."

Only in the last five years, since my retirement from a newspaper career, have I given serious and dedicated study to this unfailing, practical religion.

Conscientious study has paid big dividends. It has changed my life for the better in many ways. It changed a mental attitude of carrying a chip on the shoulder and quick criticism of others to one of love and goodwill toward my fellowmen. And it has replaced much illness with good health.

Among physical healings I have experienced through prayer, as taught in Christian Science, are those of ulcers of the stomach, athlete's foot, continuous pain in shoulders and neck, heavy colds that would put me to bed for a week at a time, influenza, and a severe kidney problem.

Somewhere along the line, early in my contact with Christian Science, I lost all desire for smoking and drinking. This freedom alone has been "worth the price of admission."

At this time I have had but one cold in about seven years, and it lasted only two days. I awakened the third day completely healed, although the previous night I had gone to bed in a miserable condition.

When I learned of the diagnosed ulcers, I was using material medicine and the services of a medical doctor. His strict diet and medicines did not cure me, however. I pampered my stomach for two or three years before deciding to put to use my smattering and dormant knowledge of Christian Science. In a short time of spiritual ministrations instead of material nostrums, I was completely healed.

The physician had issued a sad verdict when he started treating me, saying that I probably never again would be able to eat a steak or fried chicken or Mexican food, but I enjoy all of these today!

The healing that really turned the tide, however, was that of a kidney ailment. I felt that I could handle it successfully myself, but after a few days I had to take to bed with excruciating pain. A Christian Science practitioner was telephoned for treatment, which she gave me daily for eight days. By then I was free of pain and confident that I would be completely healed.

I was impressed by one point the practitioner made. She reminded me of what the Lord God asked Adam, in the Bible in the book of Genesis, when Adam said he was afraid because he was naked (3:11): "Who told thee that thou wast naked?"

She then asked me, "Who told you that you were sick? It wasn't God, was it? If He didn't tell you, and we know He knows no sickness, then it isn't true that you are sick, and don't you believe it for a minute."

Two weeks later I was strong enough to drive two hundred and seventy-five miles from my home, and trudge for two days through a large fairground.

This healing impressed me so much that I was led to apply for class instruction in Christian Science. I wanted to know more about the Science that had wrought such wonders for me.

I am very grateful for this course of instruction. It has taken me to active membership in a branch church, where I serve with joy and satisfaction. It has given me a truer understanding and appreciation of Christian Science and of Mrs. Eddy's dedication in bringing her discovery to mankind.

Christian Science has made me accept gladly the Biblical truth that "with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26), and that if one knows the truth, the truth will make one free, as Christ Jesus promises (see John 8:32).

I fully agree with a fellow church member who said recently in a Wednesday evening testimony meeting, "Branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, all over the world would not be able to hold the crowds if the people in general had any idea of the rich blessings that Christian Science has to offer them."

Bob Aldridge
Beaumont, Texas