As a boy I attended a Christian Science Sunday School, where...

Raymond B. McMullin Rockford

As a boy I attended a Christian Science Sunday School, where I gained some knowledge of this Science, although I did not pursue its study. Later on, when I was in great need, it was natural to return to this teaching. Over a long period I had enjoyed drinking, fairly moderately, until some years ago I found this routine had changed. I had begun to indulge in the habit daily, frequently to excess. It soon became obvious that if I continued this way, my health and job would suffer.

I had a copy of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, which I began reading. I also started attending a local branch Church of Christ, Scientist. For long periods this desire for spiritual truths enabled me to stop drinking, but always the habit reasserted itself, and I would indulge it even more freely.

At this time, my sister, who was aware of my need, gave me a copy of A Century of Christian Science Healing. I came across a testimony by a man who lived in my neighborhood. This Scientist, who was now a practitioner, had survived a long period of internment in the Far East during wartime. Despite subjection to harsh and rigorous treatment, he had emerged unscathed. I felt that this man could perhaps help me end my bondage.

I went to see him, and during the ensuing months we had many talks together. We dwelt on the fact of my spiritual identity as the child of God, held secure in His love, always satisfied and soundly maintained. I began to realize that because I was truly a complete idea, I could not be fooled into believing I had to seek something outside my own completeness in order to be totally satisfied.

I was greatly helped by holding fast to the Psalmist's declaration (Ps. 145:16), "Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing." Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 259), "The Christlike understanding of scientific being and divine healing includes a perfect Principle and idea,—perfect God and perfect man,—as the basis of thought and demonstration." From this I reasoned that instead of believing myself to be a sinning mortal beset with guilt, endeavoring against fearful odds to overcome a degrading habit, I had to affirm that I was perfect, spiritual man now—pure, upright, and free—and hold to this fact firmly, even during periods of lapse.

One day, quite suddenly, as though a cloud had been lifted from me, I was completely healed of the drinking habit. There are no words to describe my gratitude to God for the practitioner who helped me gain my freedom, nor to our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, for sharing this great teaching that frees us from discord. I am also grateful for Christ Jesus, our great Way-shower. The healing left me free to renew my membership in The Mother Church and become an active branch church member. The opportunities to serve the latter have strengthened my commitment to this Science. In 1977 I had class instruction in Christian Science, an event for which I am humbly thankful. In Science and Health we read (p. 201), "Truth makes a new creature, in whom old things pass away and 'all things are become new.'" I have seen wonderful proof that this is true!

Raymond B. McMullin Rockford, Ringwood, Hampshire, England

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