As I listened one Sunday morning to a Christian Science radio program entitled "The Truth that Heals," I remembered that I too had been healed, as speakers on this program had been, through the spiritual understanding of "the scientific statement of being" found on page 468 in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy.

Two years ago I was having prayerful help from a Christian Science practitioner. The trouble was not diagnosed, but it was an internal condition which gave me such distress that I could not move about normally. One night I awoke in such discomfort that I was very fearful, for this seemed to be a serious attack. I immediately denied the error by repeating the words of that healing statement, but they were just that, words only, since I could not seem to think logically.

Realizing the haziness of my thinking, I stopped and prayed, "Dear Father, help me." I then called the practitioner, even though it was late in the night. The fear and urgency I felt was evident in my voice, I feel sure, for the practitioner began at once to repeat with great assurance and certainty, "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter," and so on to the closing words of "the scientific statement of being": "Spirit is God, and man is His image and likeness. Therefore man is not material; he is spiritual."

As I reached out to the Christ for understanding, these words were repeated by the practitioner a second time with the same deep conviction, and my thinking became clear. These were no longer just words but meaningful, powerful truths, and I was able now to join in voicing them. We continued to pray aloud, and when we came to the words "for God is All-in-all," I felt His nearness, and this thought came, "Since He is here, now, filling all space, what is there to fear? Nothing!" By this time I was calm, unafraid, peaceful.

That was the end of the severe attacks. In a few days I could move in and out of my bed without pain and could hold my books in reading the Lesson-Sermon from the Christian Science Quarterly, things I had not been able to do for weeks. Before long I completely recovered.

The real joy came not alone for the physical healing but for spiritual growth and the knowledge that Christian Science reveals the Truth that heals.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned through my study of Science is to rejoice in tribulations as Paul admonishes (see Rom. 5:3-5). When healings have come slowly, I have had to study and to pray and work diligently with the Bible and our textbook, Science and Health. When I have obeyed this admonition, "We must look deep into realism instead of accepting only the outward sense of things" (ibid., p. 129), I have gained patience, hope, faith, a better understanding of God and of my identity as His spiritual idea.

For the unselfish thought which prompted a dear friend to give me a copy of the Christian Science Sentinel more than half a century ago, I shall always be grateful.

I appreciate more than I can say the prayerful support and inspiration given me by dedicated practitioners.

To God, for Christ Jesus, the Exemplar, and for Mrs. Eddy's purity, selflessness, and love, which impelled her to bring to us the Comforter, I shall never cease to give thanks.

(Mrs.) Leila Gray Clifton
Bellevue, Washington

When I was a little child, I yearned for love because I felt unloved and unwanted. As I grew up, I suffered great mental depression and loneliness even though I had many friends. I always felt suspicious and rejected and continued searching for an understanding of life and a reason for existence, as I felt that I was taking up unnecessary space in this universe.

For many years I suffered aches and pains and went to physicians for treatment of migraine, arthritis, backaches, and ills and symptoms too numerous to mention. When I couldn't find any relief from material medicine, I turned to psychology. I took courses for five years and went for help. But I did not find peace, even with a wonderful husband and two lovely daughters.

Constantly I cried out to God, "Lead me and help me," and said I'd search the world over to find something to lift my head out of the darkness.

One day when a dear friend asked me to attend a Christian Science church service, I laughed at the proposal, but went along reluctantly. My eyes were fixed on the words written above the platform, "God is love" (I John 4:16). One of the hymns sung from the Christian Science Hymnal began, "Like as a mother, God comforteth His children" (No. 174). I then realized that God loves me and always would love me and nothing else mattered.

I borrowed the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. When I got home, I opened the book and read the first sentence in the chapter on Prayer (p.1): "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,—a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love." The words that stood out were, "an absolute faith that all things are possible to God." I felt as if I were rejuvenated with new life, hope, and courage. As I continued to read the book, one healing after another took place—those of arthritis, backaches, headaches. I put away two pairs of glasses. Smoking, a craving for intoxicating liquors, and a skin condition of twenty-five years' standing left me. A violent and uncontrollable temper, which I thought was inherited from my father, was healed when I learned that God is my real Father and Mother.

When near relatives were greatly opposed to this newfound religion, I was ready to give up everything in the world for it. Later on, the one who was most opposed saw what this understanding of God and my relation to Him did for me, and said that I should never give it up even if I had to give up everything else.

Words cannot express my appreciation of Mrs. Eddy and my gratitude for the understanding of Christ Jesus' healing power which teaches us to think and act rightly. I am extremely grateful for the dedicated practitioners who have helped me gain understanding and receive healings and for class instruction from a consecrated teacher of Christian Science.

(Mrs.) Charlotte Diamond
Brooklyn, New York