Over two years ago I was exposed to a carbon monoxide leak which had gone undetected in a trailer home. In a short time I collapsed and became unconscious. When the situation was discovered, an ambulance was called by the police, and I was taken to a hospital. My family told the hospital staff that I was a Christian Scientist and would not wish medical treatment. The staff was not willing to release me, but in less than two days I was able to sign myself out and was taken home.

During two nights I suffered severe chest pains. My sister sat by my bed declaring spiritual truths until I was relieved. The next day we decided to call a friend, a Christian Science practitioner who lived in another state. She reminded us of Christ Jesus' words (Mark 16:17, 18), "And these signs shall follow them that believe; ... if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." To us this meant also that if they breathe "any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them." After I'd thought about this truth, the pain did not return.

These words from "the scientific statement of being" in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy became very important to me (p. 468): "All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all." I could understand clearly that the infinite manifestation of infinite Mind was my real, spiritual selfhood. Through my affirming such potent truths, all effects of the carbon monoxide poisoning were dispelled within two or three weeks.

All my life I have had the blessings that Christian Science brings, and I am grateful for many healings and for many lessons learned. In my late teens I suffered a severe throat condition and was practically unable to swallow for two or three days. This condition was completely and permanently healed with the help of a Christian Science practitioner and the loving care of my family.

A few years later, on a Friday morning as I was lighting a gas furnace, it exploded and burned my right hand and arm. A practitioner was called to pray for me. I prayed and pondered a hymn in the Christian Science Hymnal. The last verse of number 123 was especially helpful:

The next day I was able to go to our branch Church of Christ, Scientist, to rehearse with the soloist. And on Sunday I played the piano for the church service. Pain and stiffness had gone, and all evidence of burn disappeared in a few days. I learned at the time of this experience that I had been giving too much importance to the social activities connected with my job. I was grateful to realize this.

During my training as a Christian Science nurse, I developed a painful shoulder condition. It made my work difficult, but I was able to carry on. A practitioner helped me faithfully and patiently week after week. One of the references she gave me to study is in Science and Health (p. 517): "The world believes in many persons; but if God is personal, there is but one person, because there is but one God. His personality can only be reflected, not transmitted. God has countless ideas, and they all have one Principle and parentage."

On a day off I went to a Christian Science Reading Room to read the Bible Lesson in the Christian Science Quarterly. When I reached up to turn the page of the Quarterly, there was a sharp pain. I dropped my arm and read again the Bible verses given on that page, including this one (Ps. 63:4): "I will lift up my hands in thy name." I knew that one of the dictionary meanings of the word "name" is character, so I prayed earnestly to express more fully the qualities derived from God. Soon after that the shoulder difficulty was permanently healed. In a short time we went on vacation, and I was able to drive the car and row a boat with freedom.

I give thanks for the many opportunities I've had to witness healings, both as a church member and as a Christian Science nurse. The spiritual truths in our dear Leader's book Science and Health are certainly provable. They inspire and uplift us every day.

ALBERTA MICHAEL BRUSHABER
Bridgeport, Michigan