For several years I had been suffering from severe attacks of pain, which were becoming more frequent and more acute. I was obliged to seek special advice, and the doctors were agreed that the attacks were caused by an abnormal growth, with complications which would necessitate a serious operation. Very little hope as to the result was given me, but I was told there was no possible chance if I did not have it. Christian Science was then brought to my notice, and though I consented to have treatment for a week, somehow it did not appeal to me. To my sense it was only another "fad," and besides I really was not at all anxious to live. I believed that God had sent the disease for some good purpose, and I was resigned to my fate.
The early part of the year (Friday, Jan. 13) I went into a hospital to prepare for the operation, which was fixed for the following Thursday. In the mean time I began to question whether God could have sent so much sickness and trouble, and though I could not understand this change of thought, I determined to leave the hospital, in spite of the urgent appeals of the doctors to go through with the operation as the only chance of saving my life. I, however, came out on the Wednesday morning before the day set, and I shall never forget the sense of freedom and relief that came over me, when I walked into the home out of which I had been carried only a few days before. I believe now that the truth which had been declared for me during the week's treatment in Christian Science led me to come out and gave me strength to get home. On the following day, instead of the operation, I had a Christian Science practitioner with me, and through her loving help, her patience with my doubts and fears, her perseverance in spite of seeming mountains of difficulties, I am now well, and stronger than I have been all my life,—able to walk easily and do anything I wish, for Truth has made me free.
The physical healing is naturally a great deal to me, but far more precious is the better understanding of a good God, which is bringing so much sweetness and joy into my life. The healing was slow, but I do not regret one step of the way, for I was gaining a fuller sense of the reality of the saving, healing power of Christ, which perhaps would not otherwise have come to me. Words fail to express the love and reverence I feel for Mrs. Eddy, for the example of her unselfish life and her gift of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." I know I can best show my gratitude by living Christian Science, and my earnest desire is to become a channel, as one of our hymns voices it, "for the streams of Love." I am deeply thankful for the help I have received all along the line; words are inadequate to convey how much has been done for me. I have been lifted out of darkness into "a large place,"—into a great hope,—where all is light, and I know that by overcoming, the light of Truth will shine more brightly unto the perfect day.
