I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for divine protection and guidance in a railroad accident while returning from Denver, Col. In the evening it was discovered that there had been a landslide ahead, and after we had waited at the station all night, orders came to send the train over another road, and we started at eight o'clock Sunday morning. I had made the acquaintance of three ladies who were Christian Scientists, and together we read the Lesson-Sermon. The subject was "God," and it seemed to me the most beautiful and comprehensive lesson I had ever studied. I thought of the thousands of people who through Mrs. Eddy's wise provision were going over the same subject, no matter where they were, each one having this privilege either in a church edifice or when traveling.
Suddenly, about one o'clock, there came a terrific jarring and shaking of the train, which was bumping along on the ties, and as it swayed from side to side I knew our car was off the track. Instantly these words came to me, "God is the preserver of man," and I continued to repeat them until the train was brought to a stop. I never realized more clearly that God is the only power, for no one was hurt but the brakeman, who was slightly bruised because he jumped, fearing that the train, which was rounding a curve, was going over the steep embankment. The conductor said it was a miracle that no one was injured and that the train remained upright. All the afternoon we held to the truth of being, and fortified our confidence in God's protection and provision for us, though we were forty miles from a station and fear was expressed that the supply of water -would give out.
Finally, at half past six, a wrecking train arrived to build a new track, and at seven o'clock I went into the dining car for dinner. While seated at the table, to my dismay this car was taken more than three miles down the road to a switch, and thus separated from the passenger car. Later, in order to reach this car again, we had to walk up hill on the rough track and across two trestles. Part of the time we were in the deep shadow of the mountainside, where we could scarcely see the path, but every step of the way I was declaring the truth and giving thanks for the courage and strength received to make the trip over so rough a road, for it was only the understanding of Christian Science that enabled me to do it. It was half past three in the morning before the cars were replaced on the track and we proceeded on our way, the heavy train of eleven cars passing over a very dangerous part of the road. During this trying time my friends and I continued to declare the truth, and were assured of our safety.
