My grandmother's encouragement prompted me to learn more of Christian Science. I gained a new outlook on life as I studied the Bible and Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and very soon I was freed from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other more harmful drugs.

Further study resulted in an increased understanding of God and the successful application of this Science in healing sensual indulgence, which had caused a great deal of sorrow to me and to my family. An unhappy estrangement from my family was beautifully corrected; we were reunited.

My mental ability has been strengthened through Science—I have learned that sound intelligence is an aspect of man's true spiritual selfhood and heritage, and that I am secure in my enduring relationship to Spirit as its reflection. I was able to reenter university and finish my degree in music. And I enjoyed participating as an active member of the Christian Science college organization while attending school. Branch church membership was a natural step, and soon after I also joined The Mother Church.

Some years later, I was healed of eczema, which appeared on my ankles. Consistent with my growing understanding of Truth, I challenged this false evidence, without turning to hygiene or medicine, and I had prayerful assistance from a Christian Science practitioner several times.

While I was studying one day, a portion of a verse from Matthew came to me (8:4): "Shew thyself to the priest." This was Jesus' instruction to a leprous man after he had healed him. And the inspiration that I gained from this thought was an awareness of God's will, and indeed His command, that man be perfect. I saw that I must think of and present myself to my fellowmen as God knew me to be: well in every respect.

The following answer, which Mrs. Eddy gives to the question "What is God?" occupied and uplifted my thought a good deal of the time (Science and Health, p. 465): "God is incorporeal, divine, supreme, infinite Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth, Love."

The eczema seemed particularly irritating at night, and I used the ninety-first Psalm in my prayer a lot, especially this part (vv. 5, 6): "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday." I pondered these uplifting passages over and over, trusting them to be angel thoughts sent from God, and this brought me peace and assurance of healing.

More progress toward healing accompanied my study of "feet" and "foot" in the King James Bible. The final triumph came when I could declare vehemently and know with conviction that I was not afraid of this disease. I felt assured that the healing had taken place. It wasn't long before all evidence of the condition was gone. One of the best things about this healing was the spiritual growth it prompted and secured in me.

For the above-mentioned physical healing, and especially for the spiritual regeneration that Science has brought me, I am so thankful. The light of Science, which divine Love has given to all mankind through the words and works of Christ Jesus and the unending philanthropy of his follower Mrs. Eddy, receives my daily homage.

RUTH I. JOHNSON
Seattle, Washington