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

 

678:1
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.
678:18
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.
678:25
DEPRAVED APPETITES OVERCOME
678:26
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
679:1
professed Christianity. So I drifted along until I was
led to investigate Christian Science.
679:3
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.
679:18
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.
679:22
CATARRH OF THE STOMACH HEALED
679:23
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.
679:29
When Christian Science found me, one year ago
last April, in Chicago, I was suffering from catarrh
680:1
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.
680:27
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
681:1
which I ate, and shortly after I had a hearty dinner with-
out the least complaint from my stomach.
681:3
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.
681:11
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.
681:15
SPINAL DISEASE HEALED
681:16
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,
682:1
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.
682:9
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.
682:16
MANY TROUBLES OVERCOME
682:17
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.
682:23
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.
682:30
At the time the book was lent to me, I was teach-
683:1
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.
683:18
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.
683:23
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.
683:28
PREJUDICE OVERCOME
683:29
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
684:1
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.
684:8
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.
684:14
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.
684:17
A CONVINCING TESTIMONY
684:18
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.
684:25
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
685:1
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: –
685:27
"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
686:1
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.
686:4
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.
686:10
HEALED PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY
686:11
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
687:1
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.
687:9
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.
688:15
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
689:1
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.
689:12
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.
689:26
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
691:1
came to my waiting heart. "The peace which passeth
all understanding" rested upon me, and joy too deep for
words transformed my life. My prayers were answered,
for I had found God in Christian Science.
691:5
The Bible, which I knew very little about, became
my constant study, my joy, and my guide. The copy
which I bought at the time of my healing is marked
from Genesis to Revelation. It was so constantly
in my hands for three years that the cover became
worn and the leaves loose, so it has been laid away
for a new one. Two and three o'clock in the morning
often found me poring over its pages, which grew
more and more sacred to me every day, and the help
I received therefrom was wonderful, for which I can
find no words to express iny gratitude. – I. L., Los
Angeles, Cal.
691:17
A HELPFUL TESTIMONY
691:18
Words cannot express my gratitude to God for
Christian Science. When I first read Science and
Health, I had tried every remedy I had ever heard of.
I felt no change in mind or body that I was conscious
of until I read page 16 of the chapter on "Prayer," in
Science and Health. The first words of the "spiritual
sense of the Lord's Prayer," telling of our Father‑
Mother God, gave me a glimpse of heavenly light. I
stopped and reasoned, and remembered the teachings
of Jesus. The truth of man's spiritual being dawned
on my consciousness. I realized I was not subject to
mortal laws, as I had been taught all my life. I could
not explain how I knew this, but I knew it. Through
Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy had given me what
692:1
I had longed for all my life, – a Mother, a perfect
"Father-Mother God." I had known there was a
great lack, and at that time I believe the orthodox
world had but half of the truth which Jesus came to
establish. When I read, "Give us this day our daily
bread," and its spiritual interpretation, my tears began
to flow; all the years of bitterness, hate, and fear melted
away. I knew then, as I know now, that nothing satisfies
but Love. That day began the outward and inward
conscious healing, – mental and physical. There never
came a doubt! I absolutely knew that Christian Science
was and is the truth. Money, friends, materiality, are
nothing beside the conscious knowledge of God, man,
and the universe.
692:15
I did not need treatment from any one, – Science
and Health was so clear and beautiful. I could not
understand the Bible before, but I found it illumined
now that I had a little understanding of Christian
Science. For ten years I have not had to lie down in
the daytime from any sickness. I am now, and have
been all these years, the picture of perfect health.
When I first read Science and Health I weighed one
hundred and four pounds; I now weigh over one hun-
dred and sixty. This physical health is not to be com-
pared to my happiness, – my harmony that nothing
can take away, – because it is the gift of God. Nothing
has shown me the perversity of the human mind more
than in its conclusions in regard to my healing. Even
when I felt and knew that I was healed, people con-
stantly said, because I was thin and delicate looking,
"You are not well, any one could look at you and know
it." Now that I am fleshy, they say, "You don't look
693:1
as if you ever had a pain in all your life. You could not
have had consumption."
693:3
When I think what my life was before I had Christian
Science, of the six years of colds, suffering, and cough-
ing, not to mention the unhappiness, I want to "work,
watch, and pray" for the Mind of Christ, that I may work
rightly in God's vineyard, and to know that in truth, what
belongs to one belongs to all, – that one God, one Life,
Truth, and Love is all. – A. C. L., Kansas City, Kans.
693:10
DESIRE FOR LIQUOR AND TOBACCO DISAPPEARED
693:11
I first heard of Christian Science four years ago. At
that time drinking and smoking were my comforters. I
had no other companionship. I had lived almost con-
stantly from childhood in an evil atmosphere. Though
I was far from being satisfied with my condition, I failed
to see how to better it until I read Science and Health.
I used occasionally to listen to a sermon, but sermons
did not give me any more comfort than I derived from
my pipe, hence I concluded that church-going could not
satisfy me and I preferred drinking and smoking. When
I began to read Science and Health, I saw it offered some-
thing substantial. After a few months' study all desire
for drinking and smoking disappeared. I did not give
them up; I made no sacrifices, I simply found some-
thing better. I might mention that I had smoked ever
since I can remember. I used to smoke years before I
left school, and, like most Englishmen, loved my pipe, and
would almost prefer to miss a meal rather than to go
without my smoke. I used to think it gave me comfort.
693:30
During my four years' study of Christian Science I
694:1
have not spent a cent for doctors or medicine, neither
have I lost a day from my work on account of sickness,
which compares wonderfully with the previous four years.
I take a great interest and pleasure in reading the Bible
and studying the lessons in the Quarterly. The Bible
used to be a most mysterious book to me, but Science
and Health makes it a most precious book, making its
meaning clearer, plainer, and simpler.
694:9
I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mrs.
Eddy and to the friend who invited me to attend the ser-
vice held in the Auditorium years ago. I also wish to
acknowledge the benefit I have had from the Journal
and the Sentinel. They have helped me wonderfully. If
the value of Science and Health and these publications
were measured as business men value things, by the
results or benefits they bring, they certainly would be
priceless to me. It would be impossible to measure
their value, as I have got something from Science and
Health that all the money in the world could not buy. –
H. P. H., Chicago, Ill.
694:21
AN EXPRESSION OF LOVING GRATITUDE
694:22
In the spring of 1893, while studying for the minis-
try, Science and Health was placed in my hands, and
the truth contained therein at once became to me the
pearl of great price. I literally devoured the book,
reading it about eighteen hours a day. Its originality
was startling, upsetting my preconceived opinions of
God, man, and creation. Two sentences especially
appealed to me: "The foundation of mortal discord is a
false sense of man's origin" (p. 262), and, "For right
< Previous  |  Next >

  from page    for    pages

  for    from    to  



View & Search Options