On hearing recently of a healing through Christian Science of a child born with a deformity, I was reminded of a similar healing that took place in my experience over twenty years ago, one for which I am extremely grateful.

Immediately after the birth of our daughter I felt that all was not well with her. After two days had passed, I was informed that the baby's feet were turned inward and that it would be necessary for her to have them put into splints and later into plaster casts to force them straight.

My first thought on hearing this was to remember a passage from Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy, which speaks of the spiritual idea, and goes on to ask the question (p. 167): "Is he deformed?" The answer follows: "He is wholly symmetrical; the one altogether lovely."

The Christian Science practitioner who had helped me before the birth was told about the condition, and she took up the case, pointing out that I must turn my thoughts outward, away from any picture of imperfection, to God's spiritual idea, altogether lovely. She also pointed out that one must be obedient and willing to observe the law of the land.

It was found that when splints were fitted to the baby's legs it was not possible to secure them, as the feet were so tiny. I was therefore asked to take the child to a doctor for advice and guidance. I remembered that the practitioner had pointed out that divine Love had gone before me, and that I was not to fear what the outcome of this visit would be. The woman doctor duly examined the child and said that the baby must have medical attention, but that it was not urgent. The doctor, who was going on holiday for a few weeks, recommended that we wait until she had returned.

When I took our baby to see her the second time, she said that there was such an improvement in the angle of the feet that it would no longer be necessary for splints or plaster casts to be applied or for her to see the baby again. We were free to work this out in Christian Science.

By the time this little child was ready to use her feet I was overjoyed to find that she could walk normally. The healing was complete.

I am extremely grateful for the loving and constant help of the practitioner. Many times during this period, when dressing or attending to the child, I had to turn from the pictures of imperfection trying to occupy my thought. Fear and discouragement had to be dealt with firmly.

This experience is especially dear to me, as it followed an earlier healing I had experienced, the thoughts of which may have been lingering in my consciousness.

In the very beginning of the flying bomb attacks on Britain I was in a house that was demolished by one of these missiles. As soon as I was dug out from under the debris, prayerful work was begun in Christian Science, and although I had apparently sustained multiple injuries, including fractures in spine and thigh, these were all healed through the steadfast treatment given by the practitioner. I was able to discard all temporary aids to walking and was soon completely free and completely active.

Our three-year-old son, who was with me at the time, was also rescued, and although at the time some expressed the fear that he had been so severely injured that he would not survive, this fear was replaced with the spiritual understanding that he could not be less than perfect and complete, as he reflected all the qualities of God. In a very short time he was actively expressing his God-given dominion and was well in every way, playing normally.

All through this experience the practitioner was a constant help, and I am extremely grateful for her faithful attention and comfort.

I am also grateful for many other instances of protection I have experienced, and for much joy and happiness. I am grateful to Mrs. Eddy for giving us Christian Science and also for the privilege of class instruction.

(Mrs.) Margaret M. Wardley
Sanderstead, Surrey, England

I am pleased to have the opportunity to verify my wife's testimony. The two healings she speaks of stand out as milestones in our experience and serve as a constant reminder that healing in Christian Science is positive and permanent.

We have had many other proofs of the efficacy of Christian Science in providing protection under all kinds of circumstances. Also, a better understanding of God as the true source of supply has led to the maintenance of proper employment and the provision of a home when both of these were generally stated to be in very short supply.

For the fuller understanding of man's relationship to God and the need to claim complete harmony in the ever-present now, which are so clearly explained by Mrs. Eddy in her discovery of Christian Science, I cannot adequately express my gratitude.

Maurice G. Wardley