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

 

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there are those to whom this does not particularly appeal.
In the hope that it may be of benefit to some such, and in
gratitude for help received, I submit my own experience.
Three years ago I knew nothing of Christian Science, aside
from the knowledge gathered from the daily papers and
current literature. When I thought of the subject at all,
it was to class Christian Science with various human the-
ories with which I could not be in sympathy, for they
seemed to rely upon both good and evil. I had never
known of a case of healing, had never read the textbook
or heard of the Journal or Sentinel, but I would sometimes
see people going into the Christian Science church. I was
tired of trying to find anything satisfactory in religious
belief, for it seemed as if God either could not or would
not bring into harmony the terrible conditions existing in
human society. I had quit using any form of prayer ex-
cept the Lord's Prayer, and even then omitted the words
"lead us not into temptation." How I longed to know
just a little of the "why?" and "wherefore?" of it all.
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Here is where Christian Science found me. I was
thrown in contact with a dear friend of whom I had seen
very little for a year or more, a thoroughly educated woman
and a thinker. She told me she had taken some treatments
in Christian Science for a physical trouble, and had be-
come very much interested in the study of "Science and
Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. She
asked me if I would like to look at the book, and I said I
I would be glad to do so. The first chapter, "Prayer,"
appealed to me from the first, and when I came to Mrs.
Eddy's spiritual sense of the Lord's Prayer (Science and
Health, p. 17), my interest was fully aroused. I knew
that in a dim way I was learning what it means to "pray
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without ceasing." Very soon I bought a book of my own,
and with the help of our Lesson-Sermons, as given in the
Quarterly, I began in earnest the study of Science and
Health, in connection with the Bible.
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I stood very much in need of physical healing at this
time, having suffered for several years from an obstinate
form of stomach trouble. So far as I know, I gave no
thought to the benefits I might derive physically from the
study, but I did believe this Science held the truth of things,
and I was so absorbed in getting an understanding of the
Principle that I thought very little of myself. After about
three or four months' study I realized that the stomach
trouble was gone, and with it went other physical troubles,
which have never returned. This healing was brought
about by the earnest, conscientious seeking for the truth,
as contained in the Bible and interpreted by our Leader
in our textbook, Science and Health. I have since learned
more of the Science of healing and have been able in a
small way to help others in need. I have also learned
that in living and loving is healing realized, and in reflect-
ing divine Love I have the "signs following."
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When we think of the pure, loving, unselfish life Mrs.
Eddy must have lived in order to become conscious of this
truth and give it to us, words are a poor medium through
which to express the gratitude which her followers feel for
her. It is best expressed by obediently following her, even
as she is following Christ. – H. T., Omaha, Neb.
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DYSPEPSIA QUICKLY HEALED
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It has occurred to me that I have had ample time to
meditate on the many blessings which I have received
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through Christian Science, as it is now more than six
years since I was entirely healed of dyspepsia as well as
constipation in its worst form by the reading of Science
and Health. So aggravated were the conditions that for
three years or more I was unable to drink a glass of cold
water. Everything that I drank had to be hot, and my
only means of relief from the bowel trouble was hot water
injections, for a period of more than three years.
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I can truthfully say that I was permanently, and I might
say instantly, healed of those two ailments by reading
Science and Health as before stated, and in fact I do not
think I had read more than thirty pages of this book when
I ignored entirely the most rigid kind of diet. I ate and
drank everything I wished without a single harmful effect
from that time to this date, and there has not been a drop
of medicine in our home for more than six years, in a fam-
ily of five.
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I have also seen the power of Truth manifested in our
home by having our youngest child relieved of the most
excruciating pain, and changed to his most playful mood,
immediately upon notifying one of the faithful practi-
tioners of this city. For all this I am endeavoring to be
thankful to God and to our faithful Leader, Mrs. Eddy,
whose pure and undefiled life enabled her to discover this
precious truth for the benefit of all mankind. – M. C.
McK., Denver, Col.
631:27
AFTER TWENTY YEARS' SUFFERING
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From early girlhood I was considered an invalid, hav-
ing been injured by a hard fall while playing. The pain
was intense for some time and for several hours I was un-
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able to walk or stand alone. Later, a growing weakness
of the back accompanied with sharp pains alarmed my
parents, who called a physician, and he pronounced it
spinal trouble. Then followed nearly twenty years of
increased suffering, at times very severe. As years went
by and I became a wife and mother, my suffering in-
creased. Everything that medical skill could do was
done, but finding no lasting benefit from anything, I lost
hope of recovery.
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When Christian Science found me I was under the
doctor's sentence that if I lived the week through I would
become entirely helpless, not able to move hand or foot.
My husband was a travelling man, and being urgently
called home, he met an old friend on the train who asked
why we did not try Christian Science. The reply, We
know nothing of it, was followed by a brief explanation
of its healing power and the benefit his family had re-
ceived. This inspired my husband with new hope, and
on his arrival at home he called on a practitioner, who
recommended our getting Science and Health, which we
did, but ignorance and the prejudice of old education
produced such fear that I hid the book under the covers
of the bed whenever the children came into the room,
fearing that it was not of God and would injure them.
God's dear love was, however, more potent than these
foolish fears, and the first day I read from its sacred pages
I was convinced its teachings were the same truths as
Jesus Christ had taught centuries ago. When I had read
a few pages, I reached out and threw my medicine from the
open window at the head of my bed. I then turned back to
the book and began reading again, when, lo, the Christ-idea
dawned upon me, and I was healed instantaneously.
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I first noticed the spot in my back cooling, and soon
I got out of bed. I continued to read eagerly; I felt as
if I wanted to devour the healing truth, and drank it in
as a thirsty plant does the gentle rain. When dinner was
prepared, I walked out and ate a hearty meal with the
family, to the amazement of all. We shall never forget
what a joyful meal this was. How we did thank God
for Christian Science!
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As year after year has gone by, till twenty years have
passed and the healing has remained perfect, I have
grown to thank God with deeper sincerity that one brave
woman was found pure enough to bring forth this Christ‑
healing again, to remain forever among men and to save
suffering humanity from all disease and sin. – Mrs.
P. L. H., Fairmont, Minn.
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FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE AND JOY
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I have often had a desire to make public what Chris-
tian Science has done for me, but I never could tell of
all my blessings, they are so many. From childhood
I was always sick, never knew one hour of rest, and was
under the doctor's care most of the time. I was living in
the East at that time, and was advised to try change of
climate, which I did. I came West with my family in
the spring of the year, but instead of growing better I
grew steadily worse, until at last I was obliged to keep
my bed for nearly three years, – a great sufferer. My
ailments were, it seemed, all that flesh is heir to, and
were called incurable by the doctors; viz., Bright's dis-
ease, and many others, – in the last stages. My case was
known among physicians, many of whom were prominent
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specialists, as a most extreme one. Many, upon looking
at me, would turn away with a wise shake of the head
and say, "What keeps her alive?" My physicians, who
were exceedingly kind and did all that lay within their
power for me, gave me up and the death sentence was
pronounced on me by all who attended me.
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It was then I realized that "man's extremity is God's
opportunity." The "little book" was handed me at this
hour of great need. I read it, not thinking it would heal
me, but, like a drowning man, I grasped at it. I read it,
read it again, and soon found myself growing stronger;
then I kept on reading and was perfectly healed of all the
supposedly incurable diseases. – L. B., Austin, Minn.
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TRUTH MAKES FREE
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As the son of a physician, a graduate in pharmacy,
and an ex-druggist, I had a perfect contempt for what
I thought Christian Science to be. About six and a half
years ago, however, having exhausted all material means
at my command, – materia medica, electricity, gym-
nastics, cycling, and so on, – and being in a hopeless
state, the study of Christian Science was taken up. I
had been a sufferer from catarrh and sore throat for over
thirty years, and in the last five were added several others,
including dyspepsia, and bronchitis, and a loss in flesh of
sixty pounds. I was completely healed, and regained
health, strength, and flesh through the spiritual under-
standing of Christian Science, the result of about six
weeks' study. This good and perfect gift came to me
through the careful and prayerful study of Christian
Science, as revealed to the world to-day through Science
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and Health. The promise of Christ Jesus, "the truth
shall make you free," was fulfilled, and the past six years
of health and harmony have been spent in striving to
"hold fast that which is good."
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While most grateful for the physical healing, my grati-
tude for the mental and spiritual regeneration is beyond
expression. When I learned that Jesus' mission of heal-
ing sickness as well as sin did not end with his short stay
upon earth, but is practical in all ages, my joy was un-
bounded. Having spent thousands in the old way, it
seemed wonderful to be healed at such small cost as the
price of the "little book" and a few weeks' study. Every
thought of prejudice immediately vanished before the
proofs that Christian Science is indeed the elucidation
and practical application of Jesus' teachings, which are
demonstrable truth, "The same yesterday, and to-day,
and forever." – C. N. C., Memphis, Tenn.
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DEAF EARS UNSTOPPED
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As a mother of a family my heart goes out in love and
gratitude to that good woman we are privileged to call
our Leader, for all she has done through her book for me
and mine.
635:23
Ten years ago I was healed of hereditary deafness and
catarrh of the head, simply through reading the book,
Science and Health. For years previous I had consulted
and taken treatment from some of the best specialists
for the ear and throat, both in England and America,
but grew worse all the time. I was then urged by a lady
who had been healed through Christian Science to buy
this book and study it. I did so very reluctantly, but
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had not read fifty pages before I felt I had indeed found
the truth which makes free, and can truly say, from that
time I have never had a return of the ailment.
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That for which I am, however, most grateful, is the
daily help it is to me in my household of young chil-
dren. I am sure if mothers only knew what Christian
Science truly means they would give all they possess
to know it. We have seen croup, measles, fever, and
various other children's complaints, so-called, disappear
like dew before the morning sun, through the applica-
tion of Christian Science, – the understanding of God
as ever-present and omnipotent. It has been proven
to me without a doubt that God is a very present help in
trouble, and what a blessed help this wonderful truth is
in the training of our children, and how quickly the child
grasps it.
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Some time ago my little girl, then three years old,
dislocated her shoulder. I was alone in the house at
the time. The pain was so intense that she became
faint. I treated her the best I knew how, but kept
holding the thought that just as soon as some one came
I would run for help. She seemed to grow worse and
cried very much. I undressed her and tried to twist
the arm into place, but it caused such suffering that I
began to get afraid. Then like a flash came the thought,
What would you do if you were out of the reach of a prac-
titioner? Now is your time to prove God's power and
presence. With these thoughts came such a sense of
calm and trustfulness that I lost all fear. I then asked
the child if I should read to her; she said "Yes, mamma,
read the truth-book." I began reading aloud to her
from Science and Health. In about half an hour I noticed
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she tried to lift the arm but screamed and became
very pale. I continued to read aloud and again she made
an effort to put some candy into her mouth. This time
I noticed with joy that she almost reached her mouth
before she felt the pain. I kept reading aloud to her
until my sister and two boys came in, when she jumped
off her bed, so delighted to see her brothers that she for-
got her arm. She then began to tell her aunt that she
had broken her arm and mamma treated it with the truth-
book. When this happened, it was about 10.30 A. M.
and by 3 P. M. she was playing out doors as though
nothing had ever happened. – Mrs. M. G., Winnipeg,
Man.
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SAVED FROM INSANITY AND SUICIDE
637:15
A few years ago, while under a sense of darkness and
despair caused by ill health and an unhappy home, Sci-
ence and Health was loaned me with a request that I
should read it.
637:19
At that time my daughter was given up by materia
medica to die of lingering consumption, supposed to have
been inherited. My own condition seemed even more
alarming, as insanity was being manifested, and rather
than go to an insane asylum, it seemed to me the only
thing to do was to commit suicide. Heart trouble, kid-
ney complaint, and continual headaches caused from
female trouble were some of the many ailments I had
to contend with. My doctor tried to persuade me to
undergo an operation as a means of relief, but I had
submitted to a severe operation ten years previous, and
found only additional suffering as a result, so I would
not consent.
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When I began with Science and Health, I read the
chapter on "Prayer" first, and at that time did not sup-
pose it possible for me to remember anything I read,
but felt a sweet sense of God's protection and power,
and a hope that I should at last find Him to be what
I so much needed, – a present help in time of trouble.
Before that chapter on "Prayer" was finished, my daugh-
ter was downstairs eating three meals a day, and daily
growing stronger. Before I had finished reading the
textbook she was well, but never having heard that the
reading of Science and Health healed any one, it was
several months before I gave God the glory.
638:13
One by one my many ailments left me, all but the head-
aches; they were less frequent, until at the end of three
years the fear of them was entirely overcome.
638:16
Neither myself nor my daughter have ever received
treatments, but the study of the Bible and Science and
Health, the Christian Science textbook by Mrs. Eddy,
has healed us and keeps us well.
638:20
While Christian Science was very new to me, I at-
tended an experience meeting in First Church of Christ,
Scientist, Chicago. A gentleman told of an unhappy
woman who was about to separate from her husband.
This gentleman had asked her if she did not love her
husband. She replied, "No; when I married him I
did, but not now." He told her God made man in His
image and likeness, and that He is perfect. He said
to her, "Go home and see only God's perfect man; you
don't need to love a sinful mortal such as you have been
looking upon." The lady followed his advice, as he
told her there is no separation in divine Mind. In a
short time peace and harmony were in her home, and
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both husband and wife became members of a Christian
Science church.
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This testimony was like a message from heaven to me.
I had received many benefits from the study of Science
and Health, but it had never dawned upon my darkened
consciousness till then how wonderful our God is. I
knew what had taken place in that home could take place
in my unhappy home where there was neither rest nor
peace.
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I hopefully took up my cross, and step by step my
burden grew lighter, as I journeyed along, realizing the
presence of the Christ, Truth, that indeed makes us
free. Not all at once did any outward change appear,
but at the end of three years all was peace, all the
members of the family attending church together and
realizing that there is but one Mind. – E. J. B., Supe-
rior, Wis.
639:18
STOMACH TROUBLE HEALED
639:19
I was healed of stomach trouble of many years' stand-
ing by reading Science and Health. My condition had
reached the stage in which I had periodical attacks, that
came on with greater frequency. I was a travelling sales-
man, and it was a common occurrence for me to have to
call a physician to my hotel to administer morphine for
an acute form of this disease. This became a regular
thing at certain places, and these attacks always left me
worse than before. As a result of the last one I lost a
great deal in weight. I had tried many physicians and
most of the usual remedies during these years of suffer-
ing, without any good result. Finally, as a last resort, I
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decided to try Christian Science, and I was healed by
reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures"
by Mrs. Eddy.
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My health has been of the best since I was healed, now
six years ago. In the family we have depended entirely
on Christian Science for our healing, and have ever found
it efficacious. We consider the physical healing, however,
only incidental to the understanding of God and His good-
ness. This, together with our increased love for the Bible,
is proving most valuable to us. We are humbly trying
to live the lives that will prove our gratitude to God, and
to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy. – Charles E. Peck,
St. Johnsbury, Vt.
640:14
FREED FROM MANY YEARS OF SUFFERING
640:15
In the spring of 1880 I was taken down with a severe
attack of stomach trouble, was bedfast for three months,
and not able to drive out for nearly six months. During
this time I had three good doctors treating me. I gained
a little in strength, but had very little relief from the
stomach trouble. I was recommended to try mineral
springs and did so, but with the same disappointment. I
went to a sanitarium, but yet the stomach trouble pre-
vailed. I had some friends who recommended patent
medicines, but no healing came.
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I worried along in this way for several years. Finally
I read medicine nearly two years with a good doctor
friend, especially for my own benefit, and during this
time I had a severe attack of bladder trouble, and for
fifteen years I suffered so severely at times that I thought
life was not really worth living. In connection with these
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troubles I suffered every winter with rheumatism and
the grip. I also had a growth coming on both eyes called
cataract, which caused my eyes to be inflamed nearly
all the time, and this growth had made such progress
that it was causing my vision to be very dim when read-
ing. Corns were not forgotten, as I was reminded of
them very frequently, and for all these troubles I had tried
every remedy I heard of that I was able to get, specialists
included, without relief.
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Thanks to a friend who took me in this hopeless, dis
couraged condition and led me to the light that never
knows darkness, I got a copy of Science and Health by
Mrs. Eddy and was healed in a short time by reading this
work. – D. W. L., Anderson, Ind.
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RELIEF FROM INTENSE SUFFERING
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I became interested in Christian Science in 1901. For
four or five years I had suffered with severe attacks which
nothing but an opiate seemed to relieve. After one
which I think was the worst I ever had, I consulted our
family physician, who diagnosed my case as a dangerous
kidney disease and said that no medicine could help me
but that I must undergo a surgical operation. I con-
tinued to grow worse and went to see the physician again,
and he advised me to consult a doctor who was connected
with the city hospital of Augusta. This doctor made
an examination and diagnosed the difficulty as some-
thing different but quite as serious. Meanwhile a friend
offered me a copy of Science and Health. I said I did
not care to read the book, but she was so urgent that I
finally promised to do so. I received the book on Satur-
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day, and on Sunday morning I sat down to read it. When
I reached the place where Mrs. Eddy says she found this
truth in the Bible, I began comparing the two books. I
read passages which looked very reasonable to me, and
said to myself, This is nearer to the truth than any-
thing I have ever seen. I continued to read all day,
stopping only long enough to eat my dinner. As I read
on, everything became clearer to me, and I felt that I
was healed. During the evening a neighbor came in,
and I said, "I am healed, and that book has healed me."
I read on and was certainly healed. Eight days after
my healing I did my own washing. This occurred in
February, 1901. About six weeks after, I was called
to care for my mother, who was under the care of my
former physician. I again let him examine my side,
as he wished to see if the trouble was still there. He
said, "It is certainly gone." I said to him, "Doctor,
you told me I would never be a well woman unless I was
operated upon; what has healed me?" He replied, "God
has healed you." – S. H. L., North Pittston, Me.
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GRATEFUL FOR MANY BLESSINGS
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It is with sincere gratitude for the many blessings Chris-
tian Science has brought me, that I give this testimony.
I first heard of Christian Science about fifteen years
ago. A friend of mine was taking treatment for physical
troubles, and was reading the textbook of Christian
Science, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
The title of the book appealed to me very strongly. I
said to my friend, "If that is a Key to the Scriptures,
I must have it."
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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
many years, and often wondered why I failed so utterly
to understand the Bible. Now I knew; it was lack of
spiritual apprehension.
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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.
643:28
GRATEFUL FOR MORAL AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
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About four years ago, after I had tried different ways
and means to be relieved from bodily suffering, a faith-
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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.
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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
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.
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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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