Some years ago I went through an extended period of almost constant exhaustion. For many months I was able to do only a minimum of housework. Under pressure from a member of my family I finally consented to a physical examination by a physician. His verdict was that I had a rheumatic heart. I was told I would always have to put up with this condition, that there was no cure.

As a student of Christian Science I had been seeking a better understanding of the real meaning of heart, and I continued to do so. I called upon a Christian Science practitioner for treatment whenever discouragement got the upper hand. Using the Concordances to Mary Baker Eddy's writings, I studied everything relating to heart, affections, desire, motives, and aims. I found the Glossary definition of "heart" in the textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mrs. Eddy, very helpful. It reads (p. 587): "Mortal feelings, motives, affections, joys, and sorrows." Also her answer to the question "Do you believe in change of heart?" from Miscellaneous Writings. A portion reads (p. 50): "The human affections need to be changed from self to benevolence and love for God and man."

At no time did I accept the medical verdict as law. I did, however, strive to purify my affections so that I might love God above all else and really understand how to elevate feelings, motives, and affections to a spiritual status.

Along with the heart condition was another one, the fear of which caused me great mental anguish. During the examination the physician had advised that I enter the hospital for the removal of lumps from my breasts. One time when I called the practitioner because of intense fear of the pain, she pointed out that the condition was mesmeric, not real. I viewed the situation differently as a result of that statement, reasoning it out, denying the presence of pain on the basis that its seeming presence was suggestion and not a material state. I began to reason more that God, good, alone is cause. I believe the healing started at this time.

Fear, which came often at night, was routed times without number by my clinging to the truth I received through the inspiration of these words from Hymn No. 81 in the Christian Science Hymnal:

Gradually my strength returned, and several years later a complete physical examination I was required to take produced the verdict, "You couldn't have had a rheumatic heart condition, for your heart is perfect now and those conditions don't change." Not only was the heart reported sound, but the lumps were gone, and there was no other inharmony in evidence.

In the eight years since this healing I have done much heavy physical labor, engaged in strenuous sports activities, and been perfectly free.

Since these healings I have been healed of severe hemorrhage and the effects of accidents. I am grateful for Christian Science and for the practitioners who have patiently helped me. I am positive that the truth contained in the textbook makes it possible for anyone to prove unreal any physical problem or false claim of the physical senses. We have only to study diligently Christ Jesus' teachings in the Bible, and Mrs. Eddy's works, be alert in applying the teachings, and willing to ask for help should fear clog our clear, scientific thinking.

(Mrs.) Julia M. Warner
Bend, Oregon

I had a testimony in the Sentinel of December 14, 1963, in which I recounted my healing of a near-fatal illness of bronchial pneumonia, shortly after World War II.

This time I would like to submit the healing of impaired eyesight. For fourteen years I wore glasses. Thinking there were other more serious problems to face, I continued with the glasses as if they were to be forever with me.

Last year I was getting annoyed with what I thought were unsatisfactory lenses. Rather than dodge the issue as I had been doing, I believed I should take a stand this time. Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 167): "Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized." This statement opened not only my spiritual understanding but also my physical sight. I threw away the glasses, and the next day I could read very well. To co-workers, simply discarding one's glasses is amazing. But I feel habitual looking to God in prayer brought the healing.

Recently I was informed by our personnel department that I had a leave credit accrued from seventeen years' service without any days off for health reasons.

I am very grateful for active church participation. I had class instruction some years ago under an inspired teacher. At times I look back with deep gratitude, and ask myself what I would do without Christian Science.

Filemon O. Guiang
Manila, Philippines