Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God; but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God." The above significant words of Jesus, coupled with those from Science and Health, p. 372 viz., "A just acknowledgment of Truth, and what it has done for us, is an effectual help," have so plainly pointed out my duty to me that I can no longer delay giving my testimony to the world.
In the summer of 1900, my health began to fail very perceptibly, and, although I made determined efforts to overcome my bad feeling, and regain my strength by rest and prescribed remedies, I grew worse instead of better. My stomach would not retain any solid food, and I seemed to be literally starving to death in the midst of plenty. I consulted a book called the "Practical Home Physician," for the cause of my illness, and from its description of my symptoms I was sure that I had either a tumor or cancer, and the dread of having this confirmed kept me from summoning a physician. After several weeks of agony I finally yielded to the persuasion of friends and consulted a physician, who said that it was easy enough to tell what ailed me, but he did not tell me what he thought was the trouble, and I did not care to know, for I was sure that it was something serious however, he inspired me with a little courage by telling me that he thought I could be helped. I faithfully followed his directions regarding medicine, diet, etc., but all to no purpose: and although I made a brave effort to disguise the fact, it was very apparent that I was rapidly failing, and in the month of February. 1901, I took to my bed and remained there until April, with my faithful physician and nurse doing all that lay in their power for me; but their efforts were of no avail. One morning after T had passed a wretched night of suffering my physician took me tenderly by the hand, and said reluctantly. "Mrs. Randolph, I have done all that I can do for you. You have a fibroid tumor, which endangers your life. Your only safety lies in having an operation for its removal, and the sooner it is done the better."
I pass over the fear and grief which this announcement caused among my friends, and the utter discouragement which took possession of me as I realized how meagre was my chance of living through such a trying ordeal; but I felt that I wanted to live for those who needed me, and therefore resolved to take my only chance. I realized then, as never before, that God alone must give me courage and strength, and with an earnestness born of desperation I prayed for divine help. Then the promise, "Ask, and ye shall receive," was verified, for directly afterwards, a Christian Scientist with whom I had but a slight acquaintance, came to me, and induced me to try Christian Science treatment. While I had no faith that such treatment could avail in such a serious case as mine, I obediently followed all directions given by the practitioner, showing none of the disdain or ridicule which had previously characterized me whenever Christian Science was mentioned.
