Over fifteen years ago I was forced to find a new basis for thinking. The development of a physical handicap for which materia medica offered no help forced me to turn to Christian Science. I had found the theory and use of medicines very interesting, and daily used them for indigestion and constipation; but I soon perceived that I must make my choice between matter and Spirit. As I discarded my medicine chest I thought of Job when he said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." From that day I have been entirely free from constipation and indigestion; my complexion cleared up after years of eczema; so-called laws of diet became a myth.
However, later on, a skin disease appeared all over my body, except on my face. It was a question which caused me the greater torment, the constant itching and burning, or the dread that those about me, antagonistic to what they considered Christian Science to be, would discover the condition and in some way rob me of my new-found treasure. My healing seemed slow, but when I look back on the three months' experience I realize much had been accomplished. Sleepless nights had been divested of terror. Proof had been given me that Christian Science can heal in the midst of so-called antagonistic thought; also that Truth needs no assistance from matter to accomplish its work. It was also made clear to me that proper compensation for treatment is cared for by divine Love.
At three and a half years of age our little girl was stricken with a serious bowel trouble. In two weeks she was reduced to the helplessness of an infant and was very thin. Treatment was asked of a practitioner ninety-five miles distant. In the midst of our need, communication was cut off by a storm lowering the telephone wires. Very early one morning she seemed very low. I realized there was no human prop on which to lean. I have never ceased to give thanks for the peace that came to my thought in that hour, as I realized that God was sufficient. During the day the child took her first nourishment. Several days later it became necessary to take her to New York city, and I was told I would not be able to make the trip, so frail did she seem. We arrived in New York, and the following day called in a local practitioner. After giving treatment he told me to teach the child the twenty-third psalm. Mentally I questioned whether this could be done. I obeyed, and in an hour she knew the psalm. He also said, "If she is not all right by seven o'clock, call me." It was then four in the afternoon. This, too, astonished me. She went to sleep at six and slept until late the next morning. Then she got up and came to me saying, "I want bread and butter and sugar." I cried for joy at her eagerness. There was no convalescence, and by the end of the week she had regained her normal weight. It is with deep gratitude I acknowledge this healing and the love and faithfulness of the practitioners.
