Chapter XVIII - Fruitage
643:1
I had long been a member of a Bible class in an or-
I had long been a member of a Bible class in an or-
thodox Sabbath school, but I never felt satisfied with
that which was taught; there was something lacking,
I did not understand then what it was. I purchased a
copy of Science and Health and began to study it. I
wish I could express in words what that book brought
me. It illumined the Bible with a glorious light and I
began to understand some of the Master's sayings, and
tried to apply them.
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I had had a longing to live a better Christian life for
I had had a longing to live a better Christian life for
many years, and often wondered why I failed so utterly
to understand the Bible. Now I knew; it was lack of
spiritual apprehension.
643:14
I did not know at first that people were healed of dis-
I did not know at first that people were healed of dis-
ease and sin by simply reading Science and Health,
but found after a while that such was the case. At
that time I had many physical troubles, and one after
another of these ills simply disappeared and I found
that I had no disease, – I was perfectly free. The
spiritual uplifting was glorious, too, and as I go on in the
study of this blessed Science, I find I am gaining surely
an understanding that helps me to overcome both sin and
disease in myself and in others. My faith in good is in-
creased and I know I am losing my belief in evil as a power
equal to good. The pathway is not wearisome, because
each victory over self gives stronger faith and a more
earnest desire to press on. – E. J. R., Toledo, Ohio.
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GRATEFUL FOR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
GRATEFUL FOR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
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About four years ago, after I had tried different ways
About four years ago, after I had tried different ways
and means to be relieved from bodily suffering, a faith-
644:1
ful friend called my attention to the teaching of Chris-
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,
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.
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This did not happen, however, for I gradually found
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,