Christian Science was presented to me in 1951 by a dear friend, and since then my daughter and I have realized the importance of applying in our daily lives our understanding of its healing efficacy. We have had many proofs of its healing and protective power.

For many years I was unable to eat much solid food. There was an extreme disorder of the stomach and severe hemorrhage. This condition continued till a stage was reached when I became very weak and nervous. The doctors I consulted seemed unable to recommend a remedy. Although I strove to do my daily duties at home, I found it very difficult to be active for more than a couple of hours at a time, after which I would be obliged to lie down and rest.

When the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, was offered me by my friend, I began to read the first chapter on Prayer, and as I read, my heart was filled with joy. Immediately after, I had my first normal meal in many years, as I saw the truth in the words of Christ Jesus, "Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink" (Matt. 6:25). As I ate, I said the Lord's Prayer with its spiritual interpretation given in the textbook on pages 16 and 17. These words are included:

The fear that food could have any effect on my health left me, and I was able to eat whatever was put before me. I realized that Life is God, that my life did not depend upon material means—that life is spiritual and that its harmony depends upon right, spiritual living in the expression of the good qualities we have from our Father-Mother God.

As I read the textbook, I learned that health is a condition of Mind and not of matter, that real health is spiritual, a state of true consciousness. I also received treatment from a Christian Science practitioner, who patiently supported me, and although it took me some time to overcome the condition completely, I gained strength gradually by my daily study and application of Christian Science and the practitioner's prayerful work. My health was restored.

Mrs. Eddy's words in the textbook on page 393 helped me much: "Be firm in your understanding that the divine Mind governs, and that in Science man reflects God's government." And on the same page: "Mind is the master of the corporeal senses, and can conquer sickness, sin, and death.... Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man." I learned that man has dominion and that God, Spirit, constitutes his true identity. As I began to discern the true nature of God and tried to express His qualities in my daily life, it brought me joy and peace, and I gained the purpose of living and of sharing this Science with my fellowman.

More recently, I was healed of monkey-bite. This happened while I was trying to drive a young monkey out of our neighbor's flat, which he had managed to enter through the window. The maid, who was alone, was afraid and called for help. So I tried to drive the monkey away with my umbrella. He caught hold of it, jumped on it, and bit me on the arm, very hard. The bite was deep. At first it was very painful, but immediately I began to love the dear little fellow and saw him in accordance with Mrs. Eddy's statement (ibid., p. 514), "All of God's creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible." The pain disappeared gradually, there was no discomfort, and within a week's time the wound was healed.

For health regained, for an expanded sense of supply, for membership in a branch church and in The Mother Church, and for class instruction, which enabled me further to serve the Cause of Christian Science, I am extremely grateful to God, to Christ Jesus, our Way-shower, and to Mrs. Eddy, who has made available this truth through her tireless work.

(Mrs.) Tehmi Hodiwala
Bombay, India