On page 218 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"...

James M. Smethurst

On page 218 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy we read: "The Scriptures say, 'They that wait upon the Lord . . . shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.' The meaning of that passage is not perverted by applying it literally to moments of fatigue, for the moral and physical are as one in their results." This quotation best explains the healing I experienced four years ago while making a voyage to the West Indies, following my profession as a marine engineer.

I had returned home from the previous trip vowing never to go away again, having passed through a veritable hell in the engine room, especially when in the tropics. The body failed to function properly in practically every direction, and was covered with heat rash. At times I could hardly walk, and climbing the engine room ladders was a nightmare. All this simply vanished into nothingness the next trip, when I was studying Science and Health and receiving absent treatment from a Christian Science practitioner. We visited the same places, underwent similar conditions, and if anything the work was harder on this voyage; but the light had come and the body responded, the regular functioning of the bowels being an outstanding feature of a complete change. Strength returned in abundance, and after a hard day's work in the heat I was often able to run up those ladders. At the same time I was healed of indigestion, which had been a constant companion for several years, during which time dieting and many material so-called remedies had been tried in vain.

For four years since, Christian Science has been my only physician; and although the way has not been altogether a path of roses, yet Truth has met my every need. Two attacks of influenza were quickly overcome; and the immediate healing of a steam-scalded and crushed hand gave beautiful proof of the efficacy of divine Love.

From childhood I had suffered periodically from a great lack of strength, which the doctors called nervous debility. Having done everything I could think of to gain health and strength, obeying doctor's orders implicitly, I was going to consult a specialist when a dear relative told me that Christian Science was what I needed. This advice led me to a Wednesday evening testimony meeting, where I found my true salvation. For years I had been interested in religion, visiting many churches and reading religious literature. Nowhere was I offered any hope of physical healing, or a reasonable answer to the deep questions about God, which I often puzzled over, namely, His relation to evil, sickness, and the like. While in the workshop I often conversed with atheists and agnostics, and had to admit that the churches offered a very poor answer to many of the questions these men put forth. I never lost my belief in a God, but prayed all the more for the light which I knew was somewhere, meanwhile holding on to the church as affording a small spark of hope on a very dark horizon. Thanks to Christian Science. all this is now changed; my questions have been answered; and although there is yet much to learn, from the start each may get something substantial to hold on to, as he presses forward to a greater understanding of this healing truth.

All praise and thanks to God; to Christ Jesus, the Way-shower; to Mary Baker Eddy, our beloved Leader; and to practitioners and others for their sacrifice and loving help.—James M. Smethurst, Liverpool, Lancashire, England.

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