Just two weeks before Christmas, 1918, I was suddenly taken ill with what appeared to be neuralgia; and thinking the trouble was caused by a tooth, I made an appointment with a dentist. That night my eye seemed to be affected, and other erroneous conditions manifested themselves. Being somewhat disturbed, I asked the help of a Christian Science practitioner, who lovingly took the work in hand, at the same time telling me to keep the appointment with the dentist. After examination the dentist declined to treat me, but advised me to see a specialist. While we were engaged in conversation a specialist came in, and after an examination pronounced the trouble paralysis, saying that it would be ten days before he could tell much about it, and at the same time recommending the use of several medicines. When I told him that I had been studying Christian Science, he replied that it would take something more than Christian Science to cure a case of that kind!
I was worried, and seemed unable to decide between Christian Science and materia medica; so I consulted another physician, who only confirmed the verdict of the first, adding that it would require electric treatments for six weeks. That night I prayed to be given understanding and ability to decide rightly. Next morning I called the Christian Science practitioner and related what the doctors had said. She lovingly told me to keep before me the tenth verse of the forty-first chapter of Isaiah: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Much strength and courage were also gained from Hymn 197 in the Christian Science Hymnal beginning, "O gentle presence, peace and join and power," the words of which were written by our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, and are to be found in her Poems (p. 4). The healing was accomplished inside of two weeks, and there have been no symptoms of the trouble since. This experience was a great revelation to me. My gratitude to the practitioner is very deep for her patience and firmness while I was wavering, and to Christian Science for enabling me to know the truth. I have always been thankful to the one who first told me about Christian Science.
I am grateful to God, who is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble; to Christ Jesus, the Way-shower; and to our Leader for this healing truth.— Kissimmce, Florida.
