OVER three years ago, when surgery and medicine held no further possible help or hope, and the "end" was said to be very near, I sought healing in Christian Science. I had been an invalid for twenty-three years. I can recall no day in all that weary time in which I had not had recourse to medicine; no conscious moment entirely free from pain. The Christian Science practitioner, whom I shall ever hold in grateful, loving remembrance, patiently listened while I told of a life, half of which had been filled to the utmost with sickness and pain, assured me of God's goodness, of man's exemption from sickness and sin, and declared that I should not die, but live. It seemed like mockery, but I slept all night for the first time in more than twenty years, and the next morning startled my wife with the exclamation, "Why, I have no pain!"
Among the physical discords which disappeared quickly, I knew not when, were nervousness and stomach trouble, the former being extreme. I sought Christian Science for healing alone; indeed, I did not expect even that, but divine Love has sent such showers of blessings upon me that I am almost overwhelmed in contemplation of them, and in humility and gratitude. I wonder if there lives another man on earth for whom so much has been done. I was a slave to the tobacco habit,—smoked almost incessantly,—used profane language almost unconsciously, and occasionally, when nervousness seemed about to overpower me, indulged in strong drink: this was infrequent and not prolonged, for shame bade that I desist, no matter what the cost might be. And now—now I have not touched medicine or liquor, nor made use of tobacco or profanity for three years, and I know I never shall again. All desire for these things is gone and they have become repugnant to me.
I did not attempt, even ignorantly. to worship God. He was to me indeed "the unknown God," a God of vengeance, of anger, who hid His face, and afflicted always. I did not deny, but love Him I could not. Not for many years had I read the Bible or attended church service. I was without happiness in this world, nor had I any hope for the next. Then, all this was changed,—"in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,"—and I, whose companions had been discord and despair, began to "hunger and thirst after righteousness;" began to know a little of that "peace of God, which passeth all understanding;" and gladly, gratefully do I acknowledge my indebtedness to Christian Science for all this and the more that is yet to come. Among the many things for which I am grateful is that my wife quickly perceived and accepted the truth.
