Science and Health With Key to The Scriptures

M >> Mary Baker Eddy >> Science and Health With Key to The Scriptures

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I had drifted out to Colorado from New York City (my home), where I had
been under the treatment of many leading physicians. The last one, who
was too honest to take my money knowing that he could not cure me,
advised me to keep away from doctors and quit taking medicine, as
nothing but death could cure me. My trouble was pronounced by some to be
Bright's disease, by others gravel on the kidneys with very acute
inflammation of the bladder and prostate gland.

In the spring of 1888 my wife and myself were spending the evening at
the house of a gentleman whose wife had been healed in the East by
Christian Science. The gentleman took a book from its bookcase saying,
"Here is a work on Christian Science." It proved to be Science and
Health. I knew as soon as I had read the title-page that this was the
very book we wanted. We immediately sent for the book, and when it
arrived we obeyed the angel and feasted on it. I was very much
prejudiced against the Bible, and my first demonstration over self was
to consent to read the four Gospels. My wife bought me a New Testament
and I began to read it. What a change came over me! All my prejudice was
gone in an instant! When I read the Master's words, I caught his meaning
and the lesson he tried to convey. It was not difficult for me to accept
the whole Bible, for I could not help myself, I was just captured. The
disease with which I had been troubled for years tormented me worse than
ever for about six months, as if trying to turn me aside; but I lost all
fear of it.

I kept up my study of Science and Health and the disease disappeared. I
can honestly say that Science and Health was my only healer, and it has
been my only teacher. - R. A. C., Los Angeles, Cal.

DISEASED EYES CURED

Christian Science came to me when I was a wreck, my body being
completely covered with sores. My eyes were very bad, so that I sat in a
darkened room for weeks together, most of the time in bed under opiates.
The home doctor and a specialist said the disease of the eyes could not
be cured, though they might help me for a while. I had one operation,
and the doctor said if I took cold I would become totally blind. My
suffering was beyond telling.

A clergyman called almost every day, and sat by my bed and wept, and my
good, kind doctor shed tears many times. Finally, after a year of this
terrible suffering, I was sent to Indiana, to a sister who had been
healed of lung trouble by Christian Science. The first day I was there
she read to me from the Bible and from "Science and Health with Key to
the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and I was healed. I knew that God was no
respecter of persons, and when I saw what had been done for my sister,
who was changed from being a mere frame to a strong, robust, healthy,
rosy-cheeked woman, the cough all gone, I said, "God has as much for me,
if I will accept it." I was healed instantaneously by Christian Science,
and am thankful to God for giving us this understanding through Mrs.
Eddy, our beloved Leader. I am now in perfect health. - Mrs. F. S.,
Laurel, Miss.

THE TEXTBOOK HEALED ME

For twelve years previous to the fall of 1897 I had been under the care
of a physician much of the time. Different opinions were given by them,
as to the nature of the trouble, some diagnosing it as an abnormal
growth, etc. I was healed through reading" Science and Health with Key
to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. It was a clear case of transformation
of the body by the renewal of the mind. I am perfectly well at the
present time. - J. M. H., Omaha, Neb.

OBSTINATE STOMACH TROUBLE HEALED

There is no doubt that by far the greater number come to Christian
Science by the way of physical healing, but 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 theories 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 except 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.

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 become
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 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 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.

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
reflecting divine Love I have the "signs following."

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.

DYSPEPSIA QUICKLY HEALED

It has occurred to me that I have had ample time to meditate on the many
blessings which I have received 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.

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 family of five.

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
practitioners 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.

AFTER TWENTY YEARS' SUFFERING

From early girlhood I was considered an invalid, having been injured by
a hard fall while playing. The pain was intense for some time and for
several hours I was unable 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
increased. Everything that medical skill could do was done, but finding
no lasting benefit from anything, I lost hope of recovery.

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 received. 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.

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!

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.

FROM DESPAIR TO HOPE AND JOY

I have often had a desire to make public what Christian 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 disease, and many others, - in the last stages. My case
was known among physicians, many of whom were prominent 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.

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.

TRUTH MAKES FREE

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, gymnastics, 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 understanding 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 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."

While most grateful for the physical
healing, my gratitude for the mental and spiritual regeneration is
beyond expression. When I learned that Jesus' mission of healing
sickness as well as sin did not end with his short stay upon earth, but
is practical in all ages, my joy was unbounded. 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.

DEAF EARS UNSTOPPED

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.

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 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.

That for which I am, however, most grateful, is the daily help it is to
me in my household of young children. 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 application 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.

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 practitioner? 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 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 forgot 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.

SAVED FROM INSANITY AND SUICIDE

A few years ago, while under a sense of darkness and despair caused by
ill health and an unhappy home, Science and Health was loaned me with a
request that I should read it.

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, kidney 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.

When I began with Science and Health, I read the chapter on "Prayer"
first, and at that time did not suppose 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 daughter 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.

One by one my many ailments left me, all but the headaches; they were
less frequent, until at the end of three years the fear of them was
entirely overcome.

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.

While Christian Science was very new to me, I attended 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 both husband and wife became members
of a Christian Science church.

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.

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., Superior, Wis.

STOMACH TROUBLE HEALED

I was healed of stomach trouble of many years' standing 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 salesman, 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 suffering, without any good result.
Finally, as a last resort, I decided to try Christian Science, and I was
healed by reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by
Mrs. Eddy.

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
goodness. 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.

FREED FROM MANY YEARS OF SUFFERING

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 prevailed. I had some friends who recommended patent
medicines, but no healing came.

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
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 reading.
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.

Thanks to a friend who took me in this hopeless, discouraged 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.

RELIEF FROM INTENSE SUFFERING

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 continued 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 something 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 Saturday, 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 anything 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.