A few years ago, in the middle of the night, my apartment was broken into. When I woke and saw the intruder, I gave a small cry of terror. He put his hand over my mouth and said that he did not want to hurt me but that I must keep absolutely quiet.

For some minutes I seemed able to hold to this one thought only: "All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation." This is from "the scientific statement of being" on page 468 of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. The full sentence reads: "All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." Then I prayed that this young man would never again be tempted to take what did not belong to him. A number of E bonds were taken.

When I notified a government office about the bonds, I was assured that it would not be possible for the man to cash them. As I had a record of the numbers on them, I was told there would be no difficulty in having them reissued.

The first letter I received from the government explained that one digit was missing from the number of one of the bonds. Letters were sent back and forth for weeks, but they could not seem to locate a record of that bond. Finally they wrote that they would like to reissue the other bonds, indicating that this would close the case.

When I showed this letter to my sister she said, "But the bonds that were taken can be returned to you." I thanked her and began to pray. I reaffirmed that "Thou shalt not steal" is one of God's Commandments (Ex. 20:15). I also knew that I could love and forgive the man who had seemed to be an enemy.

Within two weeks all the stolen bonds were mailed to my former address (I had moved since the bonds had been purchased). The new tenant located me and delivered them. On the back of the envelope were the words "God bless you." I felt this conclusion to the matter was an affirmation of my prayer.

Early one morning about two years ago, I went outside to water some plants. I bent over to pick up some large containers of water and could not straighten up. I was able to get back inside. My books, the Bible and Science and Health, were within reach, and I began to study and pray. About midmorning when I tried to get up, the pain was so intense that I almost lost consciousness. However, I knew that the healing Christ was present, and I continued my earnest prayer and study.

At noon a friend who is a Christian Scientist came in. When she saw my need she quoted this sentence from Science and Health to me (pp. 470-471): "The relations of God and man, divine Principle and idea, are indestructible in Science; and Science knows no lapse from nor return to harmony, but holds the divine order or spiritual law, in which God and all that He creates are perfect and eternal, to have remained unchanged in its eternal history." I joined her in repeating this potent truth, and I prayed to be receptive to it.

By holding her arms I was able to rise, and we found a way for me to sit and stand by myself. The remainder of the day was spent in "prayer and fasting" (Matt. 17:21). It became increasingly clear that the injury was the so-called mortal mind's misconception, which I need not accept. My true being as God's perfect idea had never been and could never be harmed.

The following day all evidence of injury was completely gone and I was able to move freely. How grateful I was for the spiritual truths I had realized the previous day!

I thank God for our Saviour, Christ Jesus, and for his faithful follower, Mrs. Eddy.

Anna Kolb Michael
Detroit, Michigan