Chapter 18: 'Science and Health with Key to The Scriptures' by Mary Baker Eddy

Chapter XVIII - Fruitage

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In Mrs. Eddy's book I came across a great deal of

thought that was not readily understood at the first read-

ing, but by continued and careful study, and a good deal

of help from my knowledge of chemistry and natu-

ral philosophy, I soon shook off the belief of sensation

in matter, – the so-called elementary substance. One

afternoon I put the belt on my circular saw to cut blocks

of firewood and also to split a small stick of frame tim-

ber. In doing this the stick closed and pinched the saw.

I picked up a small wooden wedge and tried to drive

it into the saw kerf, but a bit of ice let the stick on to the

back of the saw and instantly it flew, with heavy force,

into my face, and bouncing off my left cheek fell about

twenty feet off on the snow. The blood spattered on the

snow next the saw table, and on feeling with my hand

there were two wounds, one on the lock of the jaw and

another forward, as big as a dollar, on the cheek bone.

"Now," I thought to myself, "there is a case of surgery

for you," and without further ceremony, I began to

treat the case to the best of my knowledge, with the

result that the bleeding stopped almost instantly, and

so did a thumping pain, which had commenced. I

paid no more attention to the matter, but finished my

work, and then went to supper. When I washed my

face, I felt a big lump on the jawbone where the block

of wood struck, but after my usual reading I went to

bed and slept all night until near daylight, when a pain

on the right side awoke me. On feeling with my hand

there was another big lump on the right side, but I

treated it and went to sleep again. I never lost an

hour from the hurt, although I found out that my jaw

was broken. There is no scar, only a little red spot on

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the cheek, and the lumps on the bone have long since

disappeared.

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In summing up the benefits I have received from

the reading of Science and Health, I can but refer to

a condition of sickness dating back to the war (1862),

when chronic and malignant diarrhea came near

making an end of my material existence. My hearing,

also, was seriously impaired from the effect of cannon

firing at Shiloh, but it has come back to me, and where

I formerly dared not eat an orange, or grapes, I can now

eat anything without being hurt. My peace of mind

is giving me a rest which I never experienced before

during my life, and I have ceased to look away off for

the divine presence that was always near, though I did

not know it. – L. B., Baldy, N. M.

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MANY PHYSICAL AND MENTAL TROUBLES OVERCOME

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Less than a year ago, when nothing but trouble seemed

to encompass me, I was led to Christian Science. My

mother's copy of Science and Health was always lying

on the table, but I scarcely ever read it. One day, how-

ever, the mental conflict was so great I commenced read-

ing in the hope of obtaining peace. Every day since

then my companions have been the Bible and Science

and Health. At that time I had a very serious eruption

on my face, which had been there two years. We had

consulted several physicians, and used every remedy

suggested to eradicate it, but they proved useless. I

had given up all hopes of its ever being healed, as the

physician we last consulted pronounced it tuberculosis

of the skin and incurable. A few weeks after I com-

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menced reading, I was amazed to see it almost healed

over, and to-day my cheek is perfectly smooth, while the

scar is disappearing.

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In April my baby was born with only the practitioner

and a woman friend present. I suffered little pain, and

the third day I went down-stairs. I am able to nurse

him, – a privilege of which I was deprived with my first

child. He is a picture of health, having never been

sick a day since he was born. – K. E. W. L., Mt.

Dora, Fla.

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A NEW LIFE GAINED

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Leaving home when a young man, I carried with me

a protection against the temptation of a great city, – a

mother's prayers and a small Bible. For a time I read

the Bible and prayed, but without understanding. This

did not suffice, and evil seemed to gain the victory. I

soon omitted to read my Bible; forgot to go to God in

prayer for guidance and help, and looked to the world

for that which it never has and never can give, – health,

peace, and joy.

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Thus, years later, when Christian Science came into

my home, it found me prayerless, churchless, godless;

a home discordant, and with no thought or knowledge

of spiritual things. Up to this time, my wife had for

years been seeking health through the physicians,

but without success, and as a last resort had been

sent to Christian Science. The help received was so

wonderful that I commenced the study of Science and

Health. The first effect which I realized from the

reading of our textbook, was a great love for the Bible

and a desire to read it, something which I had not done

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for years. I went in silent prayer to God, that I might

see the light and truth which would enable me to be-

come a better man. "Ye must be born again." Thus

again, and as a child, was I taught to pray "the effectual

fervent prayer" which "availeth much." In a few

weeks' study of Science and Health together with the

Bible, and without other help, I was healed of a desire

for liquor, of years' standing, and of the use of tobacco.

Ten years have passed and these appetites have never

returned. I have never used either liquor or tobacco

in any form from that time to the present. Surely this

Scripture is fulfilled in our home: "Old things are passed

away; behold, all things are become new." How can

we estimate the value of a book, the study of which brings

such transformation and regeneration? Only as we

endeavor to live, and strive to practise what it teaches,

can we begin to pay our debt to God, and to her whom

He has sent to make plain to human understanding the

life and teaching of Christ Jesus. – W. H. P., Boston,

Mass.

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A VOICE FROM ENGLAND

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For a number of years I was a weary woman, not ill

enough in health to, be called an invalid, but suffering

more than could be told with fatigue and weakness.

Feeling that this was God's will, I did not ask to be healed,

although I was constantly doctoring. I suffered with dys-

pepsia, congestion of the liver, and many other things,

including weak eyesight. With all the medicine, and

with different changes for rest, I never regained health,

and thought I never should, so I prayed for grace to bear

my cross patiently for others' sake. One day, while

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lying on my couch exhausted, which had become a fre-

quent experience, the words came to me, "Whatsoever

ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." I

rose, knelt down and said, O God, make me well. I

was telling a friend this and she kindly gave me a Sen-

tinel. Imagine my joy when I saw the testimonies of heal-

ing! I believed them, remembering our Lord's words,

"Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have be-

lieved." I obtained a copy of Science and Health and

before a week had passed I realized that if God was my

all I needed no glasses. My eyes were healed in a few

days, and since then I have never thought of glasses.

I was also cured of dyspepsia, and nothing that I have

eaten has hurt me since then. The belief in health laws

was next destroyed, by knowing that our heavenly Father

did not make them, and from this has come the beautiful

experience of the overcoming of fatigue.

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For this alone I can never be thankful enough. True

indeed are the words, "They shall run, and not be weary."

This was more than a year ago, and I can say that not

once have I felt inclined to lie on the couch, nor have I

had a headache, although I am doing more work than

ever before. Fear has also been overcome in many ways.

– A. L., Chelmsford, England.

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DEPRAVED APPETITES OVERCOME

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When Christian Science first came to me, or rather,

when I first came to Christian Science, I did not have

a very bad opinion of myself. I thought I was a pretty

good fellow. I had no religious views. I seemed to be

getting along as well as, if not better than, some who

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professed Christianity. So I drifted along until I was

led to investigate Christian Science.

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As I progressed in the understanding as gained from

the study of both Science and Health and the Bible,

and commenced to know myself, I found that a great

change had been wrought in me. For fifteen years I

had used tobacco, both chewing and smoking; for ten

years I had been a victim of the drink habit, sometimes

to excess; I was also addicted to profanity. Christian

Science removed these appetites. A stomach trouble

and other lesser ills, such as headache, a bad temper, an

inordinate love of money, etc., disappeared under the

same benign influence. Those things that seemed to be

pleasure do not give me pleasure now. They were not

real pleasure. I have lost nothing, I have sacrificed

nothing; but I have gained everything, and not yet the

whole, for I can see plenty yet to be done.

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The condition of mind before investigating and after

is as different as black and white. As Mrs. Eddy

says, "Not matter, but Mind, satisfieth." – G. B. P.,

Henry, S. D.

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CATARRH OF THE STOMACH HEALED

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I should like to express my gratitude for the many

benefits I have received through Christian Science, and

to mention the great joy brought to me in the thought

that man is not the helpless victim of sin, disease, and

death. Through its teachings I have been able to over-

come many errors.

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When Christian Science found me, one year ago

last April, in Chicago, I was suffering from catarrh

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of the stomach, which had been very persistent, and I

had been a slave to the cigarette habit for eighteen

years. Pain and weakness had robbed me of all that

one holds dear. The first symptoms of the disease

appeared about five years ago in the form of severe

cramps of the stomach, which finally developed into

other symptoms of that painful disease. I doctored

continually, my diet daily becoming more rigid, until

three slices of toast became my daily allowance of food.

680:10
In this condition I left the East for my home in

Chicago, hoping that a change of climate might benefit

me. After spending six weeks there and finding no re-

lief, I concluded to return East. The Sunday morning

before leaving I picked up a Sunday paper, and glanc-

ing through the religious items my eyes fell on the notices

of Christian Science church services. Curiosity led me

to a service and I shall never forget that morning or the

surprise and joy it gave me to find that beautiful church,

and to know that so great a number actually believed

that God does heal the sick to-day. This brought a first

ray of hope. The evening service found me there again.

Among the notices read was that of a reading room,

giving the location and time of opening. Monday morn-

ing found me there promptly, and the first book I picked

up was Science and Health which opened a new

world to me.

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I had dieted so long and suffered so much that I had

a morbid fear of food. When I had reached and read

"neither food nor the stomach, without the consent of

mortal mind, can make one suffer" (Science and Health,

p. 221), I left the reading room for something to eat. I

found a bakery near by, and bought a bag of cakes

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which I ate, and shortly after I had a hearty dinner with-

out the least complaint from my stomach.

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From that time until now I have eaten anything that I

wished, and the craving for cigarettes, which I had for

many years, has entirely vanished. The understanding

of Truth, which entirely relieved the diseased stomach,

healed also the morbid appetite for smoking. After

coming back East, I bought a copy of Science and Health,

which I have read daily, and find it a continual help in

all the affairs of life.

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In my home and at work I find this Science a com-

fort and source of strength. I have had many difficulties

in the way, but it has helped me out of them all. – W. E.

B., New Britain, Conn.

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SPINAL DISEASE HEALED

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When I first heard of Christian Science, seven years

ago, I supposed that it was some old fad under a new

name. In the little Texas town where we then lived

there were two or three Christian Scientists who met

at the home of one of their number to read the Lesson‑

Sermon. Meeting one of them one day, I asked if un-

believers could come to their meetings. She said that

they could if they wanted to. I went, expecting them

to do something that I could laugh at when telling my

friends about it. How surprised I was to find out that

they didn't do anything but read the Bible and another

book which they called Science and Health. I still

thought it all foolishness, but resolved to go to their meet-

ings until I found out all they believed. I continued to

go until I began to understand a little of what they knew,

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not what they believed; and instead of spending my

time telling others what a silly thing Christian Science

is, I am now trying to find words to tell what a great

and wonderful thing it is. I have been healed of so‑

called incurable spinal disease of ten years' standing

by studying the Bible and Science and Health. Science

and Health has been my only teacher, and I wish to send

my thanks to our dear Leader.

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There are no other Scientists near where we now live,

but I have the Quarterly and study the lessons by myself.

I have five small children, and Christian Science is in-

valuable to me in controlling them, and in overcoming

their common ills. They often help themselves and

each other to destroy their little hurts and fears. – Mrs.

M. H., Oleta, Okla.

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MANY TROUBLES OVERCOME

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In the second chapter of First Peter, ninth verse, I

read "that ye should show forth the praises of him who

hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous

light." The periodicals so wisely established by our

Leader give us one means of showing forth the praises

of Truth.

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From the darkness of physical pain and weariness into

the light of wholeness and joyousness in work and

living, – from the darkness of a clouded sight into the

light of clearer vision, – from the darkness of doubt

and discord into the marvellous light of the reality of

good, – this is what a reading of the Christian Science

textbook has done for me.

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At the time the book was lent to me, I was teach-

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ing in the public schools of Chicago, and absences from

my work on account of illness were of frequent occurrence.

For five weeks I had been under the care of a specialist

for an organic trouble, and he said I would have to come

as many more months before a cure could be effected.

At this time, Science and Health was brought to my

notice. I never thought of such a thing as being healed

by the reading of the book, but my thought was so changed

that I was healed, not only of the organic trouble, but of

blurred eyesight, fatigue, and a train of other discordant

manifestations. I did not go back to the physician

until four months later to pay my bill (which, by the

way, was more than five times the price of the Science

and Health I had purchased). From the time I read

the book I taught steadily without losing time from my

work. I was helped, too, with my work in many other

ways.

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Through reading the textbook I learned that God has

given us strength to do all we have to do, and that it is

the things we do not have to do (the envying, strife, emu-

lating, vainglorying, and so on) that leave in their wake

fatigue and discord.

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Gratitude to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and

to her faithful students, with whom I afterwards be-

came associated, can be expressed only by daily efforts

to put into practice what has been taught. – T. H. A.,

Madison, Wis.

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PREJUDICE OVERCOME

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I became interested in Christian Science somewhat

over three years ago when in much need of help. I

had never been strong, and as I grew older I grew

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weaker and at last became so ill that life was a burden

to me. Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy was sent

to me, in answer to prayer, as I thought. I was a little

afraid of all these new fads, as I thought them, but I

had not read far before I felt that I had found the truth

which makes us free. I was healed of stomach trouble,

inward weakness, and bilious attacks.

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One physician said I might have to undergo an opera-

tion before I could get well, but, thanks to this Truth, I

have found that the only operation needed was the re-

generation of this so-called human mind by learning to

know God. In many cases I have been able to help

myself and others.

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Words cannot express my thanks to Mrs. Eddy, and

to all who are bringing these great truths to the help of

the whole world. – E. E. M., Huntington, W. Va.

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A CONVINCING TESTIMONY

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I became interested in Christian Science some five

years ago, the practical nature of its statements appeal-

ing to me, and I must say, at the outset, that with my

little experience I have found it all and more than I ever

dreamt of realizing on this plane of existence. I am

satisfied that I have found Truth. God is indeed to me

an ever-present help.

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My little girl, some ten months old, was afflicted

with constipation. It was so severe I dreaded to go

out anywhere with her, as I knew not when she would

be taken with a convulsion. I had tried all the usual

remedies in such cases, but it seemed to grow more ob-

stinate. There was a Christian Scientist living in

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the same house with us, a Scientist who let her light

shine, and while she said little, I felt the reflection of

Love. I had no knowledge of the teachings of Chris-

tian Science, save that God was the physician at all

times. In my own way I believed He was all-power-

ful, and I said to my husband one day, "I am through

with medicine for baby. I am just going to leave her

in God's care and see what He will do. I have done

all I can." I did as I said, laid my burden at God's

feet, and did not pick it up again. In two days the

child was perfectly natural, and has since been free

from the trouble. She is now six years of age. Some

months later a second test came. She woke up at nine

o'clock at night crying and holding her ear. There

was to sense a gathering. I was alone. I took up my

Science and Health and Bible, but the more I worked

the louder she screamed. Error kept suggesting ma-

terial remedies, but I said firmly: "No; I shall not go

back to error. God will help me." Just then I thought

of my own fear, how excessive it was, and a conversation

I had with the Scientist who first voiced the truth to me,

came to mind. She said she always found it helpful

to treat herself and cast out her own fear before treat-

ing a patient. I put baby down and again took up

my Science and Health, and these were the words I

read: –

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"Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger.

The more difficult seems the material condition to be

overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith

and the purer our love. The Apostle John says: 'There

is no fear in Love, but perfect Love casteth out fear'"

(Science and Health, p. 410). I looked up, the crying

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had ceased, the child was smiling, and in a few minutes

asked to be put to bed. There has been no further

trouble of that kind.

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I have since seen the power of Truth overcome error

of many forms, including croup, whooping-cough, ton-

silitis, etc. I am thankful for all these proofs, but far

more grateful am I for the spiritual teaching to love, to

forgive, to curb my tongue, and cease my criticism. –

M. A. H., Brockton, Mass.

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HEALED PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY

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I had been taking medicine continually for many

years. Finally I was taken suddenly ill and could not

leave my room for about two months, then I went away

for three months, thinking that I should come back

and be able to continue my work. I improved very much,

but the fear of quick consumption was with my doctor

and my family and friends, and I was warned about the

coming winter. Only too soon the fear manifested

itself. I had worked just three weeks when all the pains

and aches returned, and I had to go to bed as soon as I

got home, so there was no pleasure in living. My em-

ployer advised me to see my physician, and said perhaps

I should not work that winter. I then and there turned

to Christian Science. I could not afford to give up work

and live away from home, neither did I want to depend

on doctors and medicine any longer. I took the book

and read it on my way to work, and at noon I lay down

on a couch instead of going out for luncheon and fell

asleep. When I awoke I was a different person, all

pains and aches had gone, and I was free. I was so

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happy I could hardly contain myself; to material

sense it was wonderful. As I walked I kept saying,

"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful," and tried to un-

derstand "the scientific statement of being" by repeat-

ing portions at a time, then pondering over them. I

read the book four times in succession, and every

time I found more and more to aid in the under-

standing.

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This healing was in October, 1901, with no other

help than Science and Health, and soon I was relieved

of other chronic ailments. In February I was able to

put away eyeglasses, which I had worn ten years and

a half for astigmatism. Oculists told me I would always

have to wear them. A month later my father asked

me to help him, as he was suffering so much from con-

stipation, dyspepsia, and neuralgia. He had been sub-

sisting on bran, nearly starving himself until be was most

miserable, and his limbs seemed so cold that they were

kept wrapped in blankets. I felt very humble as he

asked me, and told him I would have a practitioner help

him, as I had never treated any one; but he would not

consent to have any one but myself, and I finally told

him I would try, but that he must not hold Science respon-

sible if he were not benefited, for my lack of understand-

ing, and not Science, would be at fault. At my request

he read Science and Health, ate whatever he wanted,

and used no medicine in any form. After two treat-

ments I received word from him that he was healed

of that bondage of thirty years' standing. In view of

all these signs which followed my acceptance of Chris-

tian Science, I knew it must be true. – R. L. A.,

Chicago, Ill.

688:1
A VOICE FROM THE SOUTH

688:2
I was delicate from childhood, and my parents did

not think it was possible for me to live more than a

few years. I lived, however, although there was not

much improvement in my health. Travel and change

of climate brought only temporary relief, and the physi-

cians gave me no hope that I would ever be well.

688:8
As a last resort I began the study of Science and

Health, and before I had finished reading the book I

realized that its author was divinely commissioned to

bring this spiritual message to a waiting world. Through

this reading my health was restored, and I was healed

of one disease that has been called incurable by all

physicians.

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For this, together with the greater and higher bles-

sing of having the spiritual fact of being unfolded to me,

I am most grateful.

688:18
What shall be rendered for such benefits received and

made possible by the consecrated life of our revered

Leader? Only by following the teachings of our text-

book, and by loving obedience to her gentle and timely

admonitions can we show our true sense of gratitude. –

F. H. D., De Funiak Springs, Fla.

688:24
HEALED AFTER MUCH SUFFERING

688:25
A testimony given in the Journal led me to investi-

gate Christian Science, and I hope in return to be the

means of leading some one else to see the beauty of this

saving truth, and to learn to know God aright and

man's relationship to Him. I know from experience

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that it is prejudice and misapprehension of what Christian

Science is, that keeps many from enjoying the blessings

it bestows.

689:4
I had been taking patent medicines for several years,

and had been to one of the best sanitariums in this country,

but was not healed, although I received some benefit, for

which I shall always feel grateful, for I know the physi-

cians did all they could for me. I sometimes thought

I had exhausted all remedies, but did not give up, for

I felt there must be something to heal me if I could

find it.

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When in this state of mind Christian Science came to

my notice, and after reading several Journals, I pur-

chased a copy of Science and Health. I read for several

days at odd times. I commenced to improve, and in

about a week I was healed of most of my ills, among

which were dyspepsia and nervous debility.

689:18
Although I had heard about Christian Science before,

I had never heard that the reading of the Christian

Science textbook had ever effected the healing of anybody.

I commenced reading to find out what Christian Science

was, but was surprised to find myself improving, and was

soon assured that it was the theology of Science and

Health that healed me, just as it was the theology of

Jesus that healed the sick.

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It has also proved to me that there can be no

Christian Science Church that does not heal the sick

and sinful, for healing follows as the natural result of the

teaching of Christian Science. The Bible has become

a new revelation to me, and I can read it much more

understandingly by the light received through the reading

of Science and Health. – A. F. M., Fairmont, Minn.

690:1
THROUGH GREAT TRIBULATIONS

690:2
When I attempt to make plain what Christian Science

has done for me, words fail me. For twenty years

I was a constant sufferer, my spine having been

injured when I was very young. As a little child I

suffered so much that I would look up to the stars

and beg God, who I thought might be up there

somewhere, to take me away from the earth, – I was

so tired. A great wall of pain seemed to separate me

from the pleasures enjoyed by others, and I could not

explain how I felt, because no one could understand.

Years passed, and I saw my earthly happiness swept

away; my heart was broken and I did not know what

to do. I cried for help, day after day and night after

night, although I was not sure what God was, nor where

He was. I only knew that I suffered, and was

in need of help, and that there was no earthly help

for either mind or body. I loved purity, truth, and

right always, and this made evil seem a most terrible

reality. I was unable to cope with it, and so found

myself in despair. This was my condition when I com-

menced reading Science and Health. I was ready for

its message, and in about ten days there came a won-

derful insight into the truth which heals the sick and

binds up the broken-hearted. All pain left me, I had

a glimpse of the new heavens and the new earth, and

was beginning to be fed by Love divine.

690:28
I had suffered for years with insomnia. That night

I rested like a child, and awoke the next morning well

and happy. A flood of light daily illumined the pages

of the "little book," and the revelation it holds for all

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