Testimonies of Healing
About two and a half years ago, finding myself on the brink of what seemed imminent catastrophe, I applied to a Christian Scientist for aid,—one whose beautiful life, although I little understood it, and unswerving courage had compelled my respect. She insisted upon my buying and reading the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which I did during my treatment.
Christian Science was first brought to my notice over twelve years ago, by a fellow-workman speaking of a man being healed of a severe sickness by a lady healer from St. Louis.
When I first heard of Christian Science I disliked to give up my old ideas, but the words of that hymn,— Sing them over again to me,— Wonderful words of life, kept ringing in my ears day and night for weeks. For two years previous to this my family were sick most of the time.
It has been nearly five years since my husband and myself began to investigate Christian Science. At first we ridiculed it, but that was because of our ignorance of the good it contained.
I wish to record my testimony on the side of Truth, by stating what it has done for me. Over six years ago I had a severe attack of the grip, and for quite a while my life was despaired of.
From my earliest recollection I was considered not a strong child and of a very sensitive nature. My early schooldays were interrupted by periods of illness, and I grew to young womanhood cumbered by various beliefs of disease, as a part of my inheritance.
The question has often been asked me, "Why do you not give to the Field some of the cases of healing that have come through your work?" and I have always had plenty of excuses on hand, but I have found that all of them, when analyzed, are reduced to their native nothingness. This year's experiences have been rich indeed, richer than any other.
Some months ago I had a severe claim of neuralgia in my eyes. I tried to realize its nothingness, but it seemed so intensely painful, I grew impatient, and instead of working harder for harmony, allowed error to tempt me by suggesting the use of hot water to alleviate the suffering.
The first thing that disappeared after coming into Christian Science was chronic catarrh of the head. Before going for treatment I was using a spray three times a day to wash my throat and nose so as to breathe with ease, and every other day I went to the doctor to have him treat it.
About two or three months ago I had a belief of scarler fever, and mamma had to report to the Board of Health, and my two sisters couldn't go to school; the first time they had been absent or tardy. One had been going to school five years, and one three years.