With a heart filled with gratitude for the life of our inspired Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, who lived so close to God that she could show us how to walk in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, this testimony is offered. About six years ago, as I was about to take a higher step in the demonstration of Christian Science, I was suddenly stricken with what physicians call an incurable disease. The suffering was very great, and a part of the body became helpless. I asked for the help of an experienced practitioner, but received no relief. She finally said to me, "This problem is your own, and from it you will gain dominion for your work;" and so it proved. Through faithful study of the Bible and our Leader's books I proved the statement given in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 118), "Obedience crowns persistent effort with everlasting victory," which parallels our Master's saying, "If ye continue in my word, ... ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." The pain was met in a few weeks, but it took eight months to overcome the deformity.
During this experience there came under my close observation a case of the same disease. The afflicted one had for twenty-three years sought healing, materially, in all parts of the world, but had become entirely helpless. This gave me added work, but the consciousness of God's love and care never left me. My healing has been permanent.
It became my duty during the epidemic of Spanish influenza to sleep for several nights in the room where three people were suffering from the disease. It was impossible to get a nurse, and fear was so great that friends could not be asked to help. I returned to my home each morning while another Christian Scientist remained during the day. One morning I seemed to have all the symptoms of the disease. I spent the day studying and working for the realization of that spiritual wholeness which is man's birthright as a child of God, and wishing that I might remain in my quiet home. I finally said to myself. "If you don't go back there tonight, it's because you are afraid,"— and immediately that accusation was reversed. "I am not afraid," I declared; "my home is the Father's house, and wherever I am, He is." I went to the night's duty with the difficulty still unhealed, but with a clear sense of God's presence. About nine o'clock I went to bed free; and I shall never forget the joy of that night as I woke frequently to meet the needs of my friends.
