I have never before expressed my gratitude publicly for all the dear people who have provided the ever-available supply of testimonies of healing, starting with the hundred pages at the back of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, the seventy pages at the end of her Miscellaneous Writings, and then the ongoing weekly supply in the Sentinel, the monthly supply in The Christian Science Journal, as well as those in the various language editions of The Herald of Christian Science.

As I marveled at this wealth of evidence of God's goodness, it began to dawn on me that since my introduction to Christian Science I must have read or heard at weekly testimony meetings well over 35,000 testimonies of healing! So I feel it is high time to make my own contribution.

Christian Science found me as a youth in a state of very poor health. As a result of reading Science and Health several times, I was completely restored to a healthy and active life. Proof of this came only a few years later when I was found fit to take my place in the Army during the Second World War, from which I emerged unscathed six years later.

I have had many healing experiences, but the one I would like to tell about happened during the early part of 1991. I became extremely unwell. I was unable to retain any solid food or liquid, and all desire to eat or drink deserted me.

After struggling for a couple of days to heal this condition through my own prayer, I asked a Christian Science practitioner to pray for me. Treatment through prayer was immediately given, and I was directed to the first chapter of Genesis, which assures us that the perfection of God's creation is complete: "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good" (verse 31). As I studied this passage, it became ever more clear to me that because I was eternally God's perfect spiritual idea, reflecting His goodness and Life, nothing inharmonious could enter my being. I glimpsed something of what Mrs. Eddy meant when she pointed out, "The transmission of disease or of certain idiosyncrasies of mortal mind would be impossible if this great fact of being were learned,—namely, that nothing inharmonious can enter being, for Life is God" (Science and Health, p. 228).

There would be marked physical improvement during the day only to be followed by a serious setback each night. As this had gone on for many days, it seemed wise for me to go to a Christian Science nursing facility. Within hours of my arriving, there was something of a crisis, which required nursing care throughout the night. I cannot speak too highly of the loving care that was so readily given.

The textbook tells us, "Stick to the truth of being in contradistinction to the error that life, substance, or intelligence can be in matter" (p. 418), and this is exactly what we did. We also prayed with the Lord's Prayer, particularly the line "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matt. 6:11) and its spiritual interpretation from the textbook "Give us grace for to-day; feed the famished affections" (p. 17). This brought out so clearly that since I am a spiritual idea, not a starving mortal, I am completely sustained and nourished in God's all-embracing Love.

After three days, it became clear to me that I could return home even though the healing was by no means in full evidence, and this I did. Meanwhile, members of my family had become extremely agitated. Their concern was understandable, as I learnt afterward that one of the families concerned had not long since seen a dear friend pass on suddenly with similar symptoms. A most pressing plea was made by them for me to see a medical doctor.

I saw no necessity for it, as I felt certain that only perfect well-being was there. But because I loved my family, I prayed most earnestly to be shown how to remove their fears. The answer came like a voice saying, "Fear cannot touch you; you are held in the sustaining arms of divine Love, and you can only glorify God." I saw that in this instance the most loving thing I could do for my family was to see a local doctor, not for treatment, but for examination. It was clear when the doctor examined me that my condition caused her considerable alarm.

I explained that I was having Christian Science treatment, and that I had come at the request of my family for examination, not medical treatment. Various tests were done on the spot, but they required no medication. I was then told that the condition was serious, but that she would respect my wishes in not prescribing any drugs. She told me, however, that I must return in twenty-four hours, and if there was no change, drastic action might have to be taken.

As I left the doctor's office I realised that the healing had taken place. I felt such a warmth of Love surrounding me. It was like turning on the heating; I felt the power of divine Life encompassing me. By the time I got home, all weakness and weariness had gone. I returned immediately to my normal eating habits.

The next day I went back to the doctor as she had required, and she could hardly believe her eyes. All the symptoms that had been causing such alarm were gone.

There was a sequel to this about a month later. I had a call from the local district nurse asking if she could come and see me, as the doctor was concerned that I had not reported again. I agreed, and a most interesting exchange of views took place, which amounted to a cross-examination on how Christian Science heals through prayer. The nurse said it was wonderful to see such a recovery without any convalescence, and that obviously I had no need for medical aid. "We cannot claim the credit for this" was her final remark. God was indeed glorified for all to see and rejoice in.

I am so grateful for the practitioner's consistent and loving support over a five-week testing period, and I am also grateful that I was able to fulfill almost all my public commitments and church duties throughout that time.

Above all, my heart is filled with gratitude for the steadfast pursuit of Love's allness that our dear Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, never ceased to follow; and for all the steps that she was led to take to establish the means by which her discovery would always be available for the blessing of all mankind. I am grateful too for her inspired leadership in providing us with the Manual of The Mother Church with its unique government, and for the devoted work of The Christian Science Board of Directors. There is so much to be grateful for.

A. Eric Baker
Sandhills, Surrey, England