Christian Science was brought to my attention more than...

Harriet G. Bordwell

Christian Science was brought to my attention more than thirty years ago, at a time when I was greatly burdened by ill-health, family cares, and other people's responsibilities. My first healing came about during the first few days of my acquaintance with this Science. I was suffering from an internal trouble which was not diagnosed, but which kept me in a constant state of weakness and pain. I had lost weight and felt melancholy and depressed.

At this time my little daughter fell ill and was placed under the care of a nurse, who had arrived in our town shortly before. Our family physician, who was called to visit the child, on nothing my appearance, told me I was a very sick woman and must have immediate attention; and the next day he brought me a tonic, which he requested me to take in preparation for the next step, which he hinted would be an operation. This alarmed me, and noticing that the nurse read each morning from the Bible and another book, I asked what the other book was. She told me that she had begun the study of Christian Science. I asked permission to see the book, which was kindly granted. It was the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I read a little here and there, but did not understand it. I seemed too mentally depressed to grasp any of it, but I asked a few simple questions and the nurse answered them as best she knew. I thereupon decided to try to use what had been given me of Science, but told no one, determined that if I felt slightest sense or relief, I should be convinced that Christian Science could heal me if I studied it until I understood it. Accordingly, I retired to my room and applied or repeated the statements of truth as earnestly and as hopefully as I knew how to, and awaited results. After a few minutes I arose from my chair and stood up; the pain was less severe. I felt encouraged, and sat down and repeated the statements again, waited a few minutes as before, and then arose and stood absolutely free from pain; and I have never again experienced pain of that nature.

The other conditions also vanished, although more slowly. I knew then that I had found something upon which I could absolutely rely. I immediately purchased the textbook, and began reading it. I had attended an orthodox Sunday school, and still read the Bible occasionally, but it was mostly a mystery to me. With the help of the textbook, however, I began to understand it, and through the years its beauty and truth have been unfolding to me through the light thrown upon it by the study of the Christian Science textbook.

Christian Science has been to me "my rock" and "my defence" in the many problems contingent upon the rearing of a family of seven children. No other curative means have been used, and we have had healings of diphtheria, measles, smallpox, severe burns, poisoning, dogbite, deep cuts, influenza, intestinal influenza, deafness, and catarrh, as well as of resentment and other disagreeable traits of character, and also of financial and business problems.

I am deeply greateful for the blessed privilege of class instruction and for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church and for a part in its activities. I am learning to turn more and more to the one Mind, in order to manifest more love and gratitude to God, our heavenly Father-Mother; to Christ Jesus, our great example and Wayshower; and to our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, whose loyal devotion to God and unselfed lifework have made it possible for us to follow in some measure in her footsteps.

(Mrs.) Harriet G. Bordwell, Portland, Oregon.

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