It was in the year 1898 that I first became interested in Christian Science healing, when my daughter wrote me from Missoula that it had helped her to walk, she having been unable to stand on her feet for nearly two years after an operation at the hospital. I did not begin to study it in earnest, however, until three years ago, when I began to have the Lessons and to read Science and Health, which I read through six times.
For the encouragement of those who think any one is too old to be cured of any disease, I give my experience In January, 1908, I was taken down with a serious lung disease, but would not consent to have a doctor or take a dose of medicine. Mortal mind was very busy watching my case and saying what should be done and what I should have, and declaring I could not get well at my age, being eighty-three, and to mortal sense I did seem to be passing out two or three times; but I said, "Yes, I will get well." My daughter read the Lessons to me every day during the two weeks I could not see to read, but error seemed very stubborn, and as she had much to do and was my nurse day and night, she telegraphed for absent treatment. One night about eleven o'clock the dark hour of test came. There was no time or opportunity to send by telephone, but I remembered that God is an ever-present help in trouble. My daughter was declaring aloud the presence of the life-giving Principle, when this dark shadow seemed to be claiming power and place, and I called aloud, as Peter did when he began to sink beneath the waves, "Lord, save or I perish," and then I lost consciousness.
The next I knew I awoke out of a sweet sleep, and so free from pain that it seemed as though I had been raised from the dead. Now I am better in some ways than I have been for years before. I took three weeks' treatment for an ulcer on my ankle, which had been very painful and was discharging constantly for two years, and I am thankful to say it has healed over. Hoping this may reach others, and encourage them not to give up trusting in God, who promised to heal all our diseases, I send this for publication.
