My attention having recently been called to a book, the writer of which attacks Christian Science, challenges proof of its cures, and refers to those who seek such cures as "the adult ignorant" who are in need of State supervision, I desire to tell something of my own experience with Christian Science. A little over a year ago I was a "scoffer" as regards Christian Science, but the healing of my son changed my views entirely. After years of appeal to the best physicians, and finding "no arm to save," we were at the point of despair when friends recommended Christian Science, and we finally determined to try it, in the hope that a bronchial trouble might be alleviated. Our confidence did not extend to the possible cure of the spinal condition mentioned by my wife, but we placed our son in the hands of a good practitioner, burning all materia medica bridges behind us. In three weeks he was not only free from the bronchial and rheumatic trouble, but also from the spinal trouble. The braces worn for over ten years were taken off and the boy was well. This was in February, 1907. In spite of the unusually severe weather of that spring he had no trouble of a bronchial nature and was absent from school only two days, whereas previously he lost more than half his schooling. Last fall he walked nearly five miles to and from school and even essayed to play "Rugby." He has grown more than ever before in the same length of time. He has had no medicine, nor has he used the braces since February, 1907.
As to "ocular demonstration" in proof of the above, we can show the brace worn so long, the record of growth before and after Christian Science treatment, and also a letter written to us a short time before we tried Christian Science, by the eminent specialist who had the case, telling us that not even the auxiliary head support could, in his judgment, be removed. This cure, wonderful as it seems to us, is but the portal to a realm wherein discord is replaced by harmony, and it would be folly to desire an exchange of present conditions for the former suffering. If the attitude of the child, which according to the gospel is the "open sesame" to the kingdom of heaven, could be substituted for presumption, a better conception of the facts of Christian Science healing might be had than the somewhat threadbare one of "suggestion," held by some who misunderstand its teachings. At this time when thought is especially turned to the sentiment of gratitude, we can say in all sincerity that we are most grateful for what Christian Science has done for us.
We may well say to the critics of Christian Science in the words of the poet:—
