Shortly after taking up the study of Christian Science, I had an opportunity to test the efficacy of this teaching. I developed all the symptoms of a very severe cold, yet the material remedies I had previously taken no longer appealed to me. I wanted to be healed in Christian Science.

From my brief study of Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy I had learned that true healing involves a spiritualization of thought. While praying I recalled that an unkind remark had been made about a member of my family by one whom I considered a friend. Realizing that I was harboring resentment, I knew that the next step was to remove it, but this was not easy for me.

An article I read at that time in one of the Christian Science periodicals included this quotation from the Bible (Gen. 13:8): "Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee ...; for we be brethren." The resentment melted as I saw that, in reality, both my friend and I were loving children of the one Father-Mother God. All evidence of the cold vanished, the heaviness lifted, and I was instantaneously well. This was a great lesson for me, as it showed me the necessity of adhering to Mrs. Eddy's admonition in Science and Health (p. 392): "Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously."

Continued study of Christian Science brought some measure of spiritual progress until a severe testing time came. Several years had passed during which time my husband had reentered college after military service during the Second World War. He had received his law degree, and both our children were on their own. Then my world seemed to fall apart. I suffered what appeared to be a complete nervous breakdown, together with distressing attacks of restrictive breathing. (There was never a medical diagnosis of the condition.)

When I could no longer keep up my home, a consecrated Christian Scientist, who regularly vacationed in our area, saw my need. She took me to her own home over fifteen hundred miles away and gave me the sanctuary I so needed to continue my study of Christian Science. I can never be grateful enough for the unselfed love and the care that she gave me. I also had help through prayer from a dear Christian Science practitioner, who later became my teacher in Christian Science.

During this time my husband received an appointment in his work that enabled him to locate only several hours away from me. Although my healing had not yet come, I was able to rejoin him and gradually take up household duties.

Because of the physical problem, there was a substantial loss of weight, and intense suffering when the incapacitating respiratory attacks would occur. There were many lessons to learn, as I strove to overcome self-righteousness and stubbornness. Some tension was relieved when I could see that I did not have to make the truth come true—it was true already. When despair seemed almost to engulf me, I would be reminded not to give up but to realize that healing was just at hand. When it would appear that all that could be done had been done, the continuing flow of inspiration from the Christian Science periodicals, which arrived weekly, monthly, and quarterly, gave me support and strengthened my hope and trust.

Our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, says in Science and Health (p. 446), "A thorough perusal of the author's publications heals sickness." Obedient to this statement, I continued to study Christian Science and to expect the healing. Unlike my first healing mentioned above, which was instantaneous, this all took place over a period of many years. Gradually the attacks lessened and complete freedom was won. And I now feel that the prophecy from Joel has been fulfilled in my life (2:25): "I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten."

Mere words can never express the depth of my gratitude to God for His sustaining power, and for Mrs. Eddy, whose book Science and Health elucidates the great works of our Master, Christ Jesus.

RIETTA CAPPELS CRANE
Laguna Hills, California