It is with the hope that my testimony may serve as an encouragement to some one who may be struggling to find release and deliverance "from the awful and oppressive bondage now enforced by false theories" (Science and Health, p. 151), that I am prompted to write it at this time.
Some sixteen years ago I was taken suddenly ill, and the condition developed into what is known in materia medica as epilepsy. Previous to this I had been a victim of severe headaches; otherwise I was in ordinary health, although as a child I was never considered very strong. I was constantly experimenting with all kinds of remedies, such as were prescribed or recommended, but none of them afforded more than temporary relief. I had one of the best physicians at that time in the place where I lived, but he could give me no encouragement. I had three young children, and I felt very keenly my inability to give them the care and training which they needed, for I never knew what moment I might again have to pass through what then seemed such an ordeal. We moved to a western city, and here my husband consulted a specialist and was told there was absolutely no remedy known in medical science that would effect a cure.
I was persuaded by kind friends to try Christian Science, and it is with gratitude I acknowledge the healing power of Truth, for I am better and stronger than ever before in my life. My healing was slow, for I had much to unlearn, and many times would be discouraged; indeed I was often almost on the verge of despair. I was under the care of a Christian Science practitioner the greater part of the time for more than two years, and I can never forget her forbearance, faithfulness, and sweet patience. It seemed such a stubborn case, until accidentally I learned that there was a thought of heredity in the family, my grandmother at one time having suffered from the same disease. Upon learning this, I told my practitioner, and she exclaimed, "The error is uncovered!" From that time on the attacks were less severe and less frequent, until they finally disappeared. The headaches are of rare occurrence and of a mild form compared with my former experience, and I rejoice that I have my remedy at hand, as an ever-present help.
I had been a church-member since childhood, also a teacher in the Sabbath school a portion of that time, and in later years an active worker in the temperance cause. I read the Bible faithfully, but I say with regret that it was from a sense of duty, and in secret I often rebelled at what I had been taught and tried to believe was God's will. Now the Bible and Science and Health are my daily companions, and I rejoice to say that through the understanding I obtain from the study of our Lesson-Sermons, the Bible has become a new book to me, and I read it because I love it.
I would also like to tell of a recent demonstration over an attack of erysipelas which occasioned much anxiety and fear in my family, but which was overcome in a few days by the aid of a practitioner. For a short time the trouble seemed greatly aggravated, and much fear was manifested by a member of the family who thought it time that something else should be done; but there came to me these words of Paul in his epistle to the Ephesians: "Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." I had heretofore been "guided triumphantly through the Red sea, the dark ebbing and flowing tides of human fear" (Science and Health, p. 566), and all I had to do now was "to stand." I soon began to feel better, and from that time recovered rapidly. Divine Mind did govern in this case, as often before in my experience.
My whole life is changed. I was once impatient, irritable, given to discouragement and at times even to despondency. I feel I have overcome all this, and am daily striving to be more charitable toward others, and am learning that "my neighbor" means all mankind. I am indeed grateful to her who in this age has made it possible for us to gain that understanding which enables us to be come better citizens, better wives and mothers; and thankful for our periodicals, — indeed, all our Christian Science literature that we are privileged to have and read. I am also grateful for having had the privilege of class instruction, and to those who first pointed out to me the way in Christian Science, and helped me on my journey through the wilderness, into the open sunlight of God's love, ever abiding and ever changeless.— Spokane, Wash.
