For a long time I have been desirous of telling other sufferers of my healing through Christian Science. In June, 1903, I was taken down with a dreaded fever, while playing an engagement in New Jersey as musical director. During my illness, that season, the board of governors did everything possible to make me comfortable, and furnished me with the best medical aid obtainable. When my recovery permitted, I was removed to my home in New York city, with the hope of being able to take my usual winter engagement; but my convalescence was very slow. In November of the same year I had severe pains in my chest, and finally, after our family physician's examination, it was said that there was a growth on my chest which must be removed by an operation, and so in November, 1903, I had my first operation. When this was over, I was informed that the operation had disclosed a serious affection of the bone. To say that I never had thought much of the use of the knife is but putting it mildly, and I went home very much discouraged, especially when I was informed that in a short time I must again go to a hospital.
I kept putting off the question, however, until after another examination in April, 1904, when I went to the hospital for my second operation. This time the surgeons removed not only part of the breast bone, but also one rib. The wound not healing, I became very much disheartened, and in November of the same year I went to a specialist, who said, after an examination, that another operation was the only thing. A few days before Thanksgiving Day I had my third operation, and this time a second and third rib were removed, leaving me weaker than ever. Now came the time for me to go about with a cane, with one of my family as an escort, and I often prayed to be taken out of such misery. January, 1905, found me back in the sanitarium for the fourth operation within less than a year. This last experience left me in a dreadful condition., and about the first of March the surgeon asked me, while I was on the operating-table, "Can't you think of something else you might try, or some other doctor?" I became very much aroused at this, and asked, "If you cannot get me right, where shall I go?" When I got home I pondered over his question, but concluded I had had about all the surgery I could endure; in fact, one dear friend, a doctor, told me I had better arrange my affairs, as bone disease was incurable when in such an advanced stage as mine.
Shortly 'after this a friend who had called asked my good wife to have me try Christian Science. I was approached on the subject, and while thinking it over, it came to me that if Christian Science did me no good, it certainly could do me no harm, and the more I thought of it the more I felt like trying it. Very rarely was I permitted to go from home to the surgeon's office unless one of my family accompanied me, but one day something happened so that I went alone, and when I came out of the surgeon's office I stood at Herald Square with the prospect before me of trying surgery again, and this time still another rib was to be removed But remembering my firm resolution not to have any more operations, my heart filled to the brim with discouragement, these thoughts presented themselves to me, Will you try Christian Science, or will you submit to another operation? As I could not take any chances in a crowded car, I walked with difficulty to a Christian Science practitioner's office. When my turn came, a modest gentleman ushered me into his private office, and finally asked me if I thought anything was impossible with God. I told him that I did not, and never had.
It was on a Saturday that I had my first treatment, and on Sunday I asked my brother to go to a Christian Science church with me. He consented, and we went. While there, I could not help noticing how attentive the people were to the Sermon, and to every part of their devotion; such earnestness I had never seen before in any other church, and when it was all over they seemed so happy and an air of contentment seemed to prevail. On arriving home I was quite fatigued, but felt well paid for attending the service. Every day I went to the practitioner's office, and on the Thursday following my first treatment I had put on my outward clothing when I discovered that I had left off the corset-fashioned bandage which I had worn over six months. It being cold weather in March, I questioned whether I should leave it off or undress and put it on. However, I did not put it on. When I told my practitioner what I had done, I shall never forget his counsel, "Don't be afraid." On Friday of that same week I had no cane to carry, and the week following, the rib which was to have been next operated upon was entirely closed up. Within the space of three months, the twelve inches of my left breast which had remained open was entirely closed.
The next thing that happened came as a surprise to my friends. It was well known that I had worn glasses for twelve years. The practitioner told me they would go; and they went. Never before has my sight been so keen as now, and to me this is remarkable. Here it is but just to say that all the physicians and surgeons who attended me through many years of sickness, were working diligently to make me a well man (for some were very dear friends), and I wish to express my love for and appreciation of these gentlemen. I know they all did the very best they knew; but notwithstanding, they could give me no assurance of getting well.
In listening to testimonies of many people who have been healed through Christian Science, they all speak of the great spiritual uplifting this Science has brought them. Often I have wished that I could give utterance to words which would tell what I feel, but like many others, I find that words are inadequate to express anything so deep. This, I find, must be "spiritually discerned." In gratitude for my healing I am willing to give up the balance of my earthly existence to help poor humanity into purer channels of living, and I find this to be my first duty. The Christian Science text-book has illumined my consciousness with the light of gospel truth, for without this wonderful book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, I should not have had the truth interpreted to me.
Often I think of what a mighty struggle it must have been for her to stand alone in Christian Science, but she fully realized that the proper understanding of God's omniscience was necessary to make Christianity practical instead of theoretical in every-day life, and that by this understanding the sick are healed. God has made His omniscience manifest by His chosen ones, and I thank God daily that I am enabled to know Him better, and thus I strive to be a son in whom He may be well pleased. I join with others in extending my love and gratitude to Mrs. Eddy, and it is no wonder that all Christian Scientists love her. It is in strict accord with the Scriptures, for "love one another" is the command, and this it is our imperative duty to obey.
East Lyme, Conn.
