Our Saviour declared, "Ye shall...

Francis R. Beck

Our Saviour declared, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8: 32). Of this glorious truth, I have gleaned a little, and I have been able to do so through my study of Christian Science. I know that by persistent application of the truths revealed to us by Christ Jesus and clarified by our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, we can know and demonstrate fully this wondrous truth that makes free.

In Science and Health our Leader states (p. 98): "Beyond the frail premises of human beliefs, above the loosening grasp of creeds, the demonstration of Christian Mind-healing stands a revealed and practical Science. It is imperious throughout all ages as Christ's revelation of Truth, of Life, and of Love, which remains inviolate for every man to understand and to practise."

My full freedom from stomach trouble, from which I suffered many years, was accomplished with the grand assistance of compassionate practitioners. The difficulty started about 1940, with three or four attacks a year, increasing to every month or two, subjecting me to two or three weeks of almost constant pain and the inability to retain food, fluid or solid. While I was serving with the Armed forces, the medical department declined to name the condition, as also did civilian doctors. The drug I was given to relieve the pain had little, if any, effect, and the doctors advised me there was nothing more they could do for me.

The final attack lasted approximately eight months, but prior to it I had taken my stand to rely on Christian Science alone. I became so weak it seemed a major effort to get to the practitioner's office, and sleep came only through sheer exhaustion. I held constantly to "the scientific statement of being" by Mrs. Eddy, which tells us among other truths that "Spirit is immortal Truth; matter is mortal error" (ibid., p. 468). When I could not so much as ponder the statement, my prayer was simply, "Thy will be done."

The healing came suddenly. I was able to retain food one evening, and full recovery was rapid after that grand hour. This was in 1953, and the healing has proved to be permanent. Full-time employment was found shortly after, and harmony has been the rule.

On another occasion one Wednesday evening I suddenly became ill with a respiratory difficulty, and breathing was a struggle. I called a practitioner and went directly to her office, where we held to the oneness and allness of God, good, who created all in perfection. That night I slept fitfully in a sitting position, holding to many of the truths learned in Christian Science.

The following day I spent in study of the Bible and Science and Health, calling to memory many blessings received and declaring gratitude for them. That night was spent comfortably; and by Friday evening I was fully free, and I went about my usual occupation on Saturday.

The overcoming of the sense of grief at the sudden passing of three loved ones in less than a year proved a revealing struggle. There again a blessed practitioner helped to lift my thoughts above the throes of mortal mind's demands for self-pity and mourning. Of great help during this period were these Biblical words (Neh. 8:9, 10): "This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep....For the joy of the Lord is your strength."

For the many blessings and healings bestowed on me and mine, my gratitude knows no bounds. The chains of habit— in the form of tobacco smoking and social drinking—were cast off, as were many undesirable traits of character, as a direct result of my study of Christian Science. For membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, for the privilege of class instruction, as well as the opportunity to serve the movement on the various committees and in other church activities, I am truly grateful.—Francis R. Beck, Baltimore, Maryland.

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Testimony of Healing

I first felt the joy of Christian Science...

August 1, 1964

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