Some time ago, on rising in the morning, I found myself weak and barely able to negotiate a few steps. The feeling that I was either losing consciousness or passing on was supplanted by this spiritual truth, which I heard clearly: "God is your Life," followed immediately by, "God is Love." Thus reassured, I was able to reach the bed again and inform my wife, who immediately helped me through prayer.

Soon I arose, dressed, and took care of some urgent business by phone and messenger, advising my office I would not be in. Though still extremely weak, I ate my breakfast and studied the Bible Lesson in the Christian Science Quarterly, which proved very inspiring. I continued my study by researching in the Concordance to Mrs. Eddy's writings references to strength, heart, power, freedom, energy, fatigue, and others. These were most enlightening.

My wife was concerned and recommended I call a Christian Science practitioner, which I did. He greeted me with a reminder that Nehemiah said nearly twenty-five hundred years ago, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10). The practitioner added that he would be glad to help me. The following morning I was able to go to work, although I exerted myself as little as possible.

I continued to study, especially pages 217-219 in the chapter "Footsteps of Truth" in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. It includes this potent sentence (p. 217): "The scientific and permanent remedy for fatigue is to learn the power of Mind over the body or any illusion of physical weariness, and so destroy this illusion, for matter cannot be weary and heavy-laden." I called the practitioner, told him of my progress, and asked for his continued prayer. One day he quoted from a statement in this same chapter, which I had just been reading, and we rejoiced in the fact that there is truly only one Mind, God.

As I thought about my situation, I decided to work out the problem on my own from this point forward, and I dismissed the practitioner. A short time later I read this statement from Science and Health (p. 444): "Step by step will those who trust Him find that 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'" I now felt that by learning more about God, "step by step" I would be healed.

In addition to my other studies, I read Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Discovery and Mary Baker Eddy: The Years of Trial by Robert Peel, Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy by Irving C. Tomlinson, and A Century of Christian Science Healing. Those books convinced me that no problem is insurmountable, especially after I considered what Mrs. Eddy, as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, overcame to give us this precious Science.

We lived five blocks from our branch Church of Christ, Scientist, and it was our custom to walk to the Sunday services and Wednesday testimony meetings. We continued to do this, even though my weakness and shortness of breath caused me to stop and rest three or four times while covering this short distance. At the end of each service or meeting, I always gratefully recognized the healing power that had been imparted.

For some time prior to the illness, I had planned to take a week's vacation to paint my home. Despite arguments that I'd be unable to do this, I trusted God to give me the needed strength and went forward with my plans. When I felt exhausted, I simply rested for a while, as I continued to claim God as the source of my strength and to know that no material suggestion can thwart a worthwhile effort. These words form Hymn 144 in the Christian Science Hymnal sustained me many times: "In atmosphere of Love divine,/We live, and move, and breathe." Toward the end of my vacation, I finished painting the house and garage, and I was able to paint the interior of the house as well. I suffered no ill effects; rather, I had gained in strength "step by step."

As my study continued, I found that in addition to winning release from the physical illness, I was developing a greater sense of love for my fellowmen. This in turn resolved a number of problems in my office and business. The last vestige of weakness and shortness of breath disappeared, and my healing was complete. Mrs. Eddy tells us (Science and Health, p. 216), "If man is governed by the law of divine Mind, his body is in submission to everlasting Life and Truth and Love."

I am grateful for the loving help of my wife and the Christian Science practitioner. Mrs. Eddy's selflessness enabled her to share this Christly method of spiritual healing, which supports and strengthens our trust in God. It is my humble privilege to serve and glorify our creator.

S. MERL BURDETT
La Mesa, California

I can verify that my husband's healing took place just as he has stated. For my part, I persistently acknowledged that man is God's perfect, spiritual child, regardless of the material evidence. I am so grateful to God for this healing and for many others that have blessed the twenty-three years of our marriage. Christian Science is far more than a religion; it's a wonderful way of life.

WANDA BURDETT