When questioning why I could not overcome some sickness or trouble, I have remembered these lines in Science and Health (p. 3),"Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more." I realize that I have not availed myself of the privilege of giving my testimony through the Journal or Sentinel, and I cannot let another glad day pass with it still ungiven. When about twenty-eight years of age I was suddenly stricken with abdominal trouble in its worst form, and an operation was performed, but with no good results. After weeks of suffering I underwent another operation. The doctors, being unable to heal my side, wished to operate again, but I became filled with fear of them. My sister and her husband, in whose house I was at this time, were Christian Scientists, and I had seen the healing of my brother-in-law not long before, but I understood nothing of Christian Science. I asked if I could read Science and Health, and on being told that I most certainly could if I wished to, I at once commenced reading the book and took treatment, after dismissing my doctors, which seemed a very daring thing to do as I had been told repeatedly that without very careful medical attention the most serious results would follow. The terrible fear was soon banished, and no blood-poisoning appeared, but the healing of my side was not then accomplished.
For six years I suffered from repeated attacks of this disease, during which time my side continued to discharge. I had neither Christian Science treatment nor medical aid, for I was afraid of the doctors and Christian Science had not seemed to reach my case. A hernia now appeared where the operation had been performed, and this caused more suffering. The opportunity then came for me to go to San Francisco to be treated by one of the most skilful surgeons in the West, and such wonderful things were told me of the cures he had effected that my faith in doctors revived, and I went to him believing that if any physician could cure me, it was he. For over two years I was under his watchful care. I was in the hospital eleven and a half months, and was operated upon five times, two of these operations being most serious, so that for days after them the doctor could not tell if I would live or die.
My hope and courage during all these years had not failed, but after the last operation, when I found I still had openings in my side which discharged as of old, I was utterly discouraged, and came home a nervous, unhappy woman, not caring to live. For the physicians who attended me I feel the greatest gratitude, for I know they were honestly trying to make me well, but at last I realized that God and God alone could heal me, and my thought turned again to Christian Science. I had never entirely forgotten it, for I had carried a copy of Science and Health to the hospital with me and had read it from time to time. I seemed to know that it contained the truth, even if I had not realized it. Without consulting any one, as soon as I was able to go to town I went to a practitioner, told all my troubles, and in less than seven treatments I was completely healed. I felt it was right, after being healed by Christian Science, to let my physician in San Francisco know of my healing, as he had been very kind to me. He sent me word that he would like to see me, so I went to see him. He examined my side thoroughly, and then said. "You are certainly a new woman, and I am glad for you." Since that time God. good, has been my deliverer from all ills.
