For more than fifty years I was a victim of hernia, which during the last ten years had assumed an exaggerated and, I was told, a very dangerous form. About four years ago I began the investigation of Christian Science, and as a result of my reading of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and other Christian Science literature, I was cured of the tobacco habit, which for years I had been endeavoring to give up. I had heard testimonies at the Wednesday evening meetings and had read in the various Christian Science publications of many healings of hernia, and from my own experience so far I was convinced I could be cured in the same way.
About two years ago, while on a business trip, I was seized with strangulated hernia, but I had no fear whatever and continued on my journey for three days, then returned home. A Christian Science practitioner was sent for, and the relief that came to me in this one treatment was marvelous; but the pain returned shortly afterward and that night it was almost unbearable. I called in a surgeon, with the practitioner's permission, and he came the following evening about eight o'clock, at which time absent treatment was being given me. Immediately he pronounced it a case requiring prompt surgical attention, saying there was no time to lose, and began to make arrangements for an ambulance to convey me to a hospital. I told him I was under Christian Science treatment; that I had derived so many benefits through Christian Science and had heard of so many cases of healing I was satisfied it could take care of my case. He replied that he had heard of many wonderful things accomplished by Christian Science, but this was a case where it could have no effect; that peritonitis had not only set in but had advanced to a very dangerous stage.
Just then a physical condition was presented which caused the surgeon to pause and appear greatly astonished. He said, "Under these circumstances you need not go to the hospital tonight; I will call in the morning." During the night I continued to improve, and felt well enough next morning to sit in an easy chair while the bed was being arranged. The doctor then telephoned, and when told I was sitting up, he said that I had taken my life in my hands and might cause a condition which would result in death. The practitioner called that morning and gave me another treatment. I continued to improve with each treatment, and in one week from that day was back at my desk. I have continued at my business ever since, the hernia having entirely disappeared. Since then I have passed a rigorous examination for life insurance.
