Some years ago a testimony of...

Joan Marguerite Ibbotson

Some years ago a testimony of mine was printed in the Sentinel. In it I gave thanks for supply which became apparent when trust in God was established and when the fear felt during the years of an economic depression was overcome. Since that time I have had many further opportunities to prove God's healing power and His ever-present provision for man.

When our children's education was finished, my husband and I thought it right for us to move into town so that we should be able to undertake more work in our branch church. Houses were scarce and expensive, but at once we found what was needed at a price we could afford. However, we had great difficulty in selling our old one. For six months much patience had to he practiced and several disappointments overcome, but we clung to the fact that God governs all right activity. Twice the new house nearly slipped through our fingers because the necessary money was not forthcoming.

But so sure were we that this was a right step that we signed the agreement for the new house before the sale of our old house was in sight. To be brief, the sale was successfully carried through two days before we had to make payment for the new one and was made to a family who were delighted with the whole transaction. During this time the sixth verse of the twenty-third Psalm was often in our thoughts, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."

Before I knew of Christian Science the Bible meant nothing to me, but for over thirty years the study of it in conjunction with the works of Mrs. Eddy, especially with the textbook, Science and Health, has made it not only interesting but demonstrable.

As I try to put into practice what I read, my life is becoming happier and more serene, and the truth of these words of Mrs. Eddy's comes to light (Science and Health, p. 232): "Security for the claims of harmonious and eternal being is found only in divine Science."

I feel much gratitude to the practitioners who, from time to time, have helped me so patiently. Also I am always thankful that my children had the great benefit of over seventeen years' attendance in the Christian Science Sunday School. This grounding in the truth can never be lost.

One summer day a wasp stung my arm near the shoulder. The next day the whole arm down to the wrist was swollen, stiff, and painful. I strenuously denied the reality of the condition and protested man's spiritual status as a child of the perfect Father-Mother, God. The pain eased, but since I was entertaining some acquaintances for the day. I asked a Christian Science practitioner to help me. This help was graciously given, and helpful thoughts were recommended to me. The next morning the arm was normal.

I remember that the following words from "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" by Mrs. Eddy encouraged me during this time (p. 242): "You can never demonstrate spirituality until you declare yourself to be immortal and understand that you are so." A few lines further on she continues, "Unless you fully perceive that you are the child of God, hence perfect, you have no Principle to demonstrate and no rule for its demonstration."

I am realizing more and more how much the world owes to Mrs. Eddy for her perseverance and courage in sharing her revelation with humanity.—(Mrs.) Joan Marguerite Ibbotson, London, England.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

The births of our two older children...

December 9, 1961

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit