Science and Health
with Key to The Scriptures
by Mary Baker Eddy
Chapter XVIII - Fruitage

 

644:1
ful friend called my attention to the teaching of Chris-
tian Science. After some opposition, I decided to in-
vestigate it, with the thoughtthat if this teaching would
be helpful, it was meant for me as well as for others; if
it did not afford any help, I could put it aside again, but
that I would find out and be convinced.
644:7
After I had read Mrs. Eddy's work, Science and Health,
a few days, I found that my ailments had disappeared,
and a rest had come to me which I had never before known.
I had smoked almost incessantly, although I had often
determined to use my will power and never smoke again,
but had always failed. This desire as well as the de-
sire for drink simply disappeared, and I wish to say here,
that I received all these benefits before I had gained much
understanding of what I was reading. Like a prisoner,
who had been in chains for years, I was suddenly set free.
I did not then know how the chain had been removed,
but I had to acknowledge that it came through the reading
of this book. I then felt an ardent desire to read more,
and to know what this power was that had freed me
in a few days of that which I had been trying for years
to shake off and had failed. It then became clear to
me that this was the truth which Jesus Christ taught
and preached to free humanity almost two thousand
years ago. It did not, however, occur to me to apply
it in my business affairs; on the contrary, I first thought
that if I continued in my study I would have to retire
from business.
644:29
This did not happen, however, for I gradually found
that the little understanding of this wonderful teach-
ing which I had acquired became a great help to me in
my business. I became more friendly, more honest,
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more loving to my fellow-men; and I also acquired better
judgment and was able to do the right thing at the right
time. As a natural result my business improved. Be-
fore I knew anything of Christian Science my business
had often been a burden to me, fear and worry deprived
me of my rest. How different it is now! Through the
study of the Bible, which now possesses unmeasurable
treasures for me, and for our textbook, Science and Health,
and the other works of our Leader, I receive peace and
confidence in God and that insight into character which
is necessary for the correct management of any business.
– W. H. H., Bloomfield, Neb.
645:13
HEREDITARY DISEASE OF THE LUNGS CURED
645:14
For a long time I have been impelled to contribute a
testimony of the healing power of Truth. As I read
other testimonies and rejoice in them, some one may
rejoice in mine. I was healed by reading Science and
Health. By applying it, I found it to be the truth that
Jesus taught, – the truth that sets free.
645:20
From childhood I had never known a well day. I
was healed of lung trouble of long standing. Con-
sumption was hereditary in our family, my mother and
three brothers having passed on with it. The law of
materia medica said that in a short time I must fol-
low them. I also had severe stomach trouble of over
eight years' standing, during which time I always re-
tired without supper, as the fear of suffering from my
food was so great that I denied myself food when hun-
gry. For over twenty years I had ovarian trouble,
which was almost unbearable at times. It dated from
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the birth of my first child, and at one time necessitated
an operation. I suffered with about all the ills that
flesh is heir to: I had trouble with my eyes from a child;
wore glasses for fourteen years, several oculists saying
I would go blind, one declaring I would be blind in less
than a year if I did not submit to an operation, which I
refused to do.
646:8
But thanks be to God whose Truth reached me through
the study of our textbook. Words fail to express what
Christian Science has done for me in various ways, for
my children, my home, my all. The physical healing
is but a small part; the spiritual unfolding and uplifting
is the "pearl of great price," the half that has never been
told. – Mrs. J. P. M., Kansas City, Mo.
646:15
TEXTBOOK APPRECIATED
646:16
It has been my privilege to have interviews with
representatives of more than sixty per cent of the na-
tions of this earth, under their own vine and fig-tree.
I had never heard a principle understandingly ad-
vanced that would enable mankind to obey the apos-
tolic command, "prove all things," until Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures was placed in my
hands. I believe that the honest study of this book
in connection with the Bible will enable one to "prove
all things."
646:26
I make this unqualified statement because of what
my eyes have seen and my ears heard from my fellow‑
men of unquestioned integrity, and the positive proofs
I have gained by the study of these books. Many
supposed material laws that had been rooted and
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grounded in my mentality from youth have been over-
come. It required some time for me to wake up to
our Leader's words in Miscellaneous Writings, p. 206:
"The advancing stages of Christian Science are gained
through growth, not accretion." I had many disappoint-
ments and falls before I was willing to do the scientific
work required to prove this statement; yet notwithstanding
the cost to ourselves, I am convinced that we cannot do
much credit to the cause we profess to love until we place
ourselves in a position to prove God as He really is to us
individually, and our relation to Him, by scientific work.
647:12
I wish to express loving gratitude to our Leader for
the new edition of Science and Health. In studying
this new edition one cannot help seeing the wisdom,
love, and careful and prayerful thought expressed in
the revision. Often the changing of a single word in
a sentence makes the scientific thought not only more
lucid to him who is familiar with the book, but also to
those just coming into the blessed light. All honor to
that God-loving, God-fearing woman, Mary Baker G.
Eddy, whose only work is the work of love in the helping
of mankind to help themselves; who has placed before her
fellow-men understandingly, what man's divine rights are,
and what God really is. – H. W. B., Hartford, Conn.
647:25
RUPTURE AND OTHER SERIOUS ILLS HEALED
647:26
When I took up the study of Christian Science
nearly three years ago, I was suffering from a very
bad rupture of thirty-two years' standing. Sometimes
the pain was so severe that it seemed as if I could not
endure it. These spells would last four or five hours,
648:1
and while everything was done for me that could be
done, no permanent relief came to me until I com-
menced reading Science and Health with Key to the
Scriptures. After I had once looked into it I wanted to
read all the time. I was so absorbed in the study of
the "little book" that I hardly realized when the healing
came, but I was healed, not only of the rupture, but also
of other troubles, – inflammatory rheumatism, catarrh,
corns, and bunions.
648:10
I would never part with the book if I could not get
another. I am seventy-seven years old, and am enjoy-
ing very good health. – Mrs. M. E. P., St. Johnsbury, Vt.
648:13
MOTHER AND DAUGHTER HEALED
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When Christian Science came to me, I had been tak-
ing medicine every day for twenty years, on account of
constipation. I had been treated by doctors and spe-
cialists; had taken magnetic treatments and osteopathy;
had tried change of climate; had an operation in a hospital,
and when I came out was worse than before. I was
so discouraged, after I had tried everything I ever heard
of, and was no better but rather grew worse, that it seemed
as though I must give up trying to get well, when a friend
suggested that I try Christian Science. I had heard
that Christian Scientists healed by prayer, and I thought
this must be the way Jesus had healed. I felt that this
was all there was left for me to try. I sent for the book,
Science and Health, and commenced to read it out of
curiosity, not thinking or knowing that I could be helped
by the reading, but thinking I must still take medicine
and that I must also have treatment by a Scientist. I,
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however, dropped my medicine and read for three days;
then a light began to shine in the darkness. I was healed
of the trouble and have never had to take medicine since.
I have studied Science and Health faithfully ever since,
and other ailments have disappeared. My little daughter
has also been healed and has learned to use this knowledge
in her school work. – Mrs. O. R., Leadville, Col.
649:8
LIVER COMPLAINT HEALED
649:9
As my thoughts go back to the time when I believed
I had nothing to live for, and when each morning's awak-
ing from sleep brought a sense of disappointment to find
myself still among the living (for I had hoped each night
that I closed my eyes in sleep that it would be the last
time), my heart overflows with love and gratitude to
God for our dear Leader who discovered this blessed
truth and to the dear ones who have helped me so lov-
ingly and patiently over many rough places.
649:18
Twelve years ago, I consulted a physician because I
had noticed some odd-looking spots on one of my arms.
He said they were liver spots, but that it was not worth
while prescribing for those few, that I should wait until
I was covered with them. About three months later,
with the exception of my face and hands, I was covered
with them. Then I became alarmed and called on
another physician who prescribed for me, but he finally
said he could do no more for me. Other physicians
were consulted with no better results. Six years ago,
friends advised me to see their family physician, and
when I called on him he said he was positive he could
cure me, so I asked him to prescribe for me. At the
650:1
end of two years, after prescribing steadily, he said I
was so full of medicine that he was afraid to have me
take any more, and advised a rest. After having paid
out a small fortune, I was no better, and very much
discouraged.
650:6
Two years ago, having failed in business, I applied to
one of my patrons for a furnished room where I could
meet the few I still had left. This lady, who is a Christian
Scientist, loaned me Science and Health, and because
she asked me so often how I was getting on with the
book, I began reading it. I also attended the Wednes-
day evening meetings which I found very interesting.
After hearing the testimonies at the meetings, I decided
to speak to some practitioner about these spots, but
not until I had at least a hundred dollars on hand, be-
cause I thought I would require that amount for treat-
ments, as I had been accustomed to paying high prices.
I had not inquired about prices, and in fact did not speak
to any one about my intentions, because I felt sensitive
on this subject. When I had read about half of Science
and Health, I missed the spots, and upon searching
could find no trace of them. They had entirely dis-
appeared without treatment. In a few weeks the read-
ing of that book had accomplished what materia medica
had failed to accomplish in ten years. It is impossible
to express the feeling of relief and happiness which came
over me then. – C. K., Astoria, N. Y.
650:28
A CONVINCING INVESTIGATION
650:29
While I have testified to those around me and in many
localities, of my healing in Christian Science, I feel that
651:1
it is high time I put the candle in the candlestick where
all who will may see. My earliest recollection was a day
of suffering, – a physical inheritance from my mother,
which gave simple interest for a time until years ad-
vanced and compound interest was added. My father
was a physician, and material remedies were used for
my mother without avail, consequently his confidence
in them for me was shaken, – in fact he often told me
it was better to suffer without medicine than become a
chronic doser, without pain.
651:11
I began teaching in early life and continued for more
than twenty years, and during that time not a day passed
without pain, or fear of pain, and only for my innate
love of life it would have become an intolerable burden.
For five years oatmeal was my chief food and I became
almost as attached to it as Kaspar Hauser to his crust.
I was early taught to have faith in God, and many times
was relieved of pain only to have it appear again in an
aggravated form.
651:20
At last my heart cried out for the living God, and
the answer came by one of His messengers, who told
me of Christian Science. I replied that I believed God
could heal, but that I had no faith in the healing of Chris-
tian Science, but would like to investigate its theology,
as it might aid in giving me some clue to the meaning
of life. For three years I had searched the works of
the most scientific writers to find the origin of life; many
times I would think I had traced it to the beginning,
but it would elude my grasp every time. One day in
talking with my friend, she said she would like to loan
me the textbook, Science and Health, which I very will-
ingly accepted. Not long afterward I felt a severe
652:1
attack of suffering. I opened the book for the first
time and found a paragraph near the middle which
attracted my attention. I read the same paragraph over
and over for nearly two hours. When the tea bell rang
I closed the book and I shall never forget my per-
ception of the new heaven and the new earth, – every-
thing in nature that I could see seemed to have been
washed and made clean. The flowers that I have
always loved so much, and that from childhood had
told me such sweet stories, now spoke to me of the
All-in-all, the hearts of my friends seemed kinder, – I
had touched the hem of the garment of healing.
652:13
I ate my supper that evening forgetful of the prepa-
rations I had made for suffering, and when the next
day began I was more zealous of good work than ever
before. Since closing Science and Health at my first
reading I have never been able to find the paragraph
which I had read so many times over, the words seemed
to have slipped away from me, but my joy knew no
bounds at having found the pearl of great price. By
the continued reading of the book I was entirely
healed, and for fourteen years I have not seen a day
of physical suffering. – Miss L. M., Rome, N. Y.
652:24
DEAFNESS AND DROPSY HEALED
652:25
I had been deaf from childhood. I suffered intensely
after eating, and dropsy was another of my complaints.
This, with consumption, caused one doctor to say, "It
puzzles me; I have never seen such a case before as
yours."
652:30
I met a friend who had been cured in Christian
653:1
Science, and she said, "Try Christian Science." I got
a copy of Science and Health and in three weeks I
was entirely cured. I felt uplifted. It seemed as if
God's arms were around and about me. I felt as if
heaven had come down to earth for me. After five
years of suffering can any one wonder at my unspeak-
able gratitude? – A. B., Pittsburg, Pa.
653:8
GRATEFUL FOR MANY BLESSINGS
653:9
In 1894 I began the study of Christian Science. At
that time I was greatly in need of its healing truth.
For a number of years previous I had been a semi‑
invalid with no hope of ever being well and strong
again. Several years before this time I had undergone
an operation which resulted in peritonitis. For three
years previous to my study of Science and Health
by Mrs. Eddy, I was scarcely ever free from headache
caused by the weakened and diseased condition of the
internal organs. At the time I began the study of
Christian Science I was taking five kinds of medicine.
653:20
I began to read Science and Health, and did not
take treatment, for I thought, "If this is truth, I shall
be healed; if it is not, I shall be able to detect it,
and will have nothing to do with it." I became a
devoted student and gradually my bodily diseases left
me, – I was free, and since that time, nearly ten
years ago, neither my two children nor myself have
taken any medicine; and our understanding of truth
has been able to meet and overcome any suggestion of
illness.
653:30
I was a devoted member of an orthodox church,
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but as I grew older I began to question my beliefs,
and to my questions I could find no satisfactory an-
swer. I became dissatisfied and finally ceased attend-
ing church. I could not accept the idea of God taught
there, and at last my friends looked sadly upon me as
an atheist. There I stood until I learned to know God
as revealed in Science and Health, and then all my
questionings were answered. In my girlhood I had
always prayed to the God I held in mind, and when
the shadows of sickness pain, and death came to my
family, I prayed as only those can who know that if
He helps not, there is none; but my prayers were
unanswered. Then I closed my Bible, saying, "There
is a mistake somewhere, perhaps some time I may
know."
654:16
Only those who know the attitude of mind that I
was in can understand the joy that came to me as I
began to learn of God in Christian Science, and of my
relation to Him.
654:20
Many proofs of the healing power of Truth and of
His protecting care throng my thoughts. Seven years
ago, when we were in a far distant country, where
Christian Science was then unknown, my little daughter
came in one morning from her school, saying, "Mother,
I have measles; twenty of the girls are sick in bed and I
am afraid they will put me there also." Her face, hands,
and chest were covered with a deep red rash, throat sore,
and eyes inflamed. We began immediately to do our work
in Science and at night, when I left her at the door of the
college, her face was clear, her eyes bright, and all fear
destroyed. That was the end of the disease. – F. M. P.,
Boston, Mass.
655:1
A JOYFUL EXPERIENCE
655:2
In love and gratitude to God, and to Mrs. Eddy, the
interpreter of Jesus' beautiful teachings, I wish to tell
of some of the benefits which I have received from
Christian Science. It is a little over a year since
Science found me in a deplorable condition, physically
as well as mentally. I had ailments of many years'
standing, – chronic stomach trouble, severe eye trouble,
made almost unbearable from the constant fear of
losing my sight (a fate which had befallen my
mother), also a painful rupture of twenty-five years'
standing. These ailments, combined with unhappy
conditions in my home, made me very despondent. I
had entirely lost my belief in an all-merciful God, and
I did not know where to turn for help. At that time
Christian Science was brought to my notice, and I shall
never forget the sublime moment when I perceived that
an all-loving Father is always with me. Forgotten was
all sorrow and worry, and after four weeks' reading in
Science and Health all my ailments had disappeared.
I am today a healthy, contented woman.
655:22
All this has come to pass in one short year, and my
earnest desire is to be more and more worthy to be
called a child of God. This is in loving gratitude for
an understanding of this glorious truth. – Mrs. R. J.,
Chicago, Ill.
655:27
AN EVER-PRESENT HELP
655:28
It is a year since I began to read Science and Health,
and I will now try to outline what a knowledge of its
teachings has done for me.
656:1
My condition was then very trying; my eyes, which
had caused me much trouble since childhood, were
very painful. For these I had been treated by some
of the best specialists in my native land, and after
coming to the United States I had been doctored
much and had worn glasses for four years. I also had
catarrh, for which I had taken much medicine without
being relieved. In addition to this I was an excessive
smoker, using tobacco in some form almost constantly.
I had contracted a smoker's heart, and used liquors
freely.
656:12
The one who brought to me that which I now prize
so highly, was a book agent. I told him that I should
be forced to leave my trade on account of my eyes.
He then told me of having been healed of a cancer,
through Christian Science treatment. He showed me
a copy of Science and Health, which had the signs of
much use, and after being assured that if I did my part
I would be healed of all my diseases, I sent for a copy of
the book.
656:21
My recovery was very rapid, for after reading the
book only three weeks I was completely healed of the
tobacco habit. I will say, in regard to this healing,
that it did not require even as much as a resolution
on my part. I was smoking a cigar, while reading
Science and Health, when all the desire to continue
smoking left me, and I have never had a desire to use
tobacco in any form since then. My eyes were the
next to manifest the influence of the new knowledge
gained, and had soon so far recovered that I could go
about my work with ease, and I have had no more
use for glasses. To-day my heart is normal, the catarrh
657:1
has totally disappeared, and I am not addicted to the
use of liquor.
657:3
Christian Science has proved to be an ever-present
help, not only in overcoming physical ailments, but in
business and daily life. It has also overcome a great
sense of fear. The Bible, which I regarded with
suspicion, has become my guide, and Christianity has
become a sweet reality, because the Christian Science
textbook has indeed been a "Key to the Scriptures" and
has breathed through the Gospel pages a sweet sense of
harmony. – A. F., Sioux City, Iowa.
657:12
SEVERE EYE TROUBLE OVERCOME
657:13
After hearing Christian Science lightly spoken of,
from a Christian pulpit, I decided to go to one of the
services and hear for myself. From infancy I had
been devoted to my church, and as soon as I was old
enough I was ever active in the work. Feeling it to
be my duty to attend every service held in my own
church, I took advantage of the Wednesday evening
meetings. My first visit was not my last, I am thank-
ful to say, for I saw immediately that these people
not only preached Christianity, but practised and lived
it. At that time I was wearing glasses and had worn
them for sixteen years. At times I suffered the most
intense pain, and for this phase of the trouble, one
specialist after another had been consulted. All gave
me very much the same advice; each one urged ex-
treme carefulness and gave me glasses that seemed to
relieve for a time. None of them held out any hope
that my sight would ever be restored, saying that the
658:1
defect had existed since infancy, and that in time I should
be blind.
658:3
The thought of blindness was very distressing to me,
but I tried to bear it with Christian resignation, since
I thought that God had seen fit to afflict me; but since
I have learned that He is a loving Father, who gives
only good, I regret that I ever charged Him with my
affliction. I had no treatment, but I read Science and
Health, and my eyes were healed and glasses laid aside.
I can never find words to express my thanks to our dear
Leader, through whose teachings my sight has been re-
gained. I can truthfully say that "whereas I was blind,
now I see" – through an understanding of Truth I
have found my sight perfect as God gave it. – Miss
B. S., Wilmington, N. C.
658:16
A TESTIMONY FROM IRELAND
658:17
It is with a heart full of love and gratitude to God,
and to our dear Leader, that I send this testimony to
the Field. I had never been a strong girl; had always
been subject to colds and chills, and suffered all my
life from a delicate throat. Seven years ago I had a
very severe attack of rheumatic fever and subsequently
two less severe ones. These left all sorts of evils be-
hind them, – debility, chronic constipation, and several
others, so that with these ills my life was often a
burden to me and I used to think I never should re-
ceive relief or health. I had also lost all love for
God and faith in Him. I could not accept a God who,
as I then believed, visited sickness and sorrow upon
His children as a means for drawing them to Him.
659:1
I was in this state of mind and body when Christian
Science found me. A dear friend, seeing my suffering,
presented the truth to me, and though at first I did not
believe that there could be healing for me, the Chris-
tian Scientists' God seemed to be the one I had been
looking for all my life. I began to read Science and
Health, and shall never forget my joy at finding that
I could love and trust God. I took to studying the
Bible, and read nothing but Science and Health and
other Christian Science literature for a year. After
studying the "little book" for about six weeks, I one
day realized that I was a well woman, that I had taken
no medicine for three weeks, and that my body was
perfectly harmonious. The reading of Science and
Health had healed me. The wonderful joy and spirit-
ual uplifting which came to me then no words of mine
can describe. I had also suffered from astigmatism
and had for several years been obliged to use special
glasses when reading or working, and could never use
my eyes for more than half an hour; but from the first
reading of Science and Health I found that I could read
in any light and for any length of time without the slight-
est discomfort. I am not only grateful for the physi-
cal healing but for the mental regeneration. I rejoice
that I am now able to help others who are sick and sor-
rowing. – E. E. L., Curragh Camp, County Kildare,
Ireland.
659:28
THE TEXTBOOK MAKES OPERATION UNNECESSARY
659:29
In the early part of the year 1895 my physician said I
must undergo a surgical operation in order ever to be well.
660:1
While in great fear, and dreading the operation, a kind
neighbor called, and after telling me of Christian Science
gave me a copy of Science and Health. She said I must
put aside all medicine, and by reading faithfully she knew
I could be healed. The book became my constant com-
panion, and in a short time I was healed. Besides the
relief from an operation, I was completely healed of severe
headaches and stomach trouble. Physicians could give
me no help for either of these ailments. For ten years I
have not used medicine of any kind, and have not missed
a Christian Science service on account of sickness during
this period. I am perfectly well. To say that I am grate-
ful to God for all this does not express my feelings. The
physical healing was wonderful, but the understanding
given me of God, and the ability to help others out-
weigh all else. I also love our dear Leader. – Mrs.
V. I. B., Concord, N. H.
660:18
KIDNEY DISEASE AND EYE TROUBLE HEALED
660:19
Early in 1904 I was teaching in a private boarding‑
school. I was a very unhappy, discontented woman; I
had kidney disease, besides sore eyes, and my general
health was very bad. The doctor said that the climate
did not suit me, and that I certainly should have a change.
The best thing, he said, was to go back to France (my
own country); but I did not like to leave the school, so I
struggled on until July, when we went travelling for a
month, but I came home worse than ever. I had a lot
of worry, one disappointment after another, and I often
thought that life was not worth living. In September,
1904, we heard for the first time of Christian Science
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