In the spring of 1918, as I had not regained my normal state of health following a major operation some six years previous, I became obsessed with a morbid fear of losing my son, a boy of eight years of age, who was frail and delicate and almost constantly under the care of physicians. At a seemingly critical time for him, I became very ill with yellow jaundice, pleurisy, and pneumonia, and was being attended by a physician. A friend came daily to my bedside, never discussing either the illness or a possible remedy. The condition became so critical that no medicines could be retained, so they were discontinued and my mother was told by the physician that only good nursing would save me. During the period of improvement I especially noticed much alleviation of distressing symptoms while the friend was present, and when I was able to sit up I missed her visits so much that I sent for her to inquire what she had that no one else had been able to give me. I truly felt the presence of the Christ. Much to my surprise I was told that she was a student of Christian Science. I began the earnest study of Science at that time, and soon the child and I were both well and strong. Since then, there have been many healings, two of which I should like to relate.
One afternoon, upon leaving my work as librarian of a Christian Science Reading Room, I stepped from the pavement into a hole in the street, fell, and sprained my ankle badly. I was taken home by a friend who was a practitioner, but no specific work was done at this time. By six o'clock in the evening I was no longer able to put my foot to the floor, and for three hours experienced excruciating pain. I earnestly desired to obtain my freedom with my own knowledge of the truth, and turning to God prayerfully, I asked to be shown the truth I needed to know. The textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, which I was reading at that time, fell open to page 442 and I read these words: "Mortal Man, no longer sick and in prison, walked forth, his feet 'beautiful upon the mountains,' as of one 'that bringeth good tidings.'" Seeking more fully to understand its heavenly message, I read the foregoing sentence, which was, "Divine Love had cast out fear." I was instantly healed of all pain and was able to get up and walk with nothing to give evidence of the experience except the swelling and discoloration, which soon faded away.
At another time, while I was serving as a teacher in the Christian Science Sunday School, a very unsightly and at times painful growth appeared on my face. I asked for a leave of absence, which was granted me. At the same time I was substitute Reader, and coincident with my staying away from the class came the notification that I would be expected to read the following Sunday. I immediately realized that fear, self-will, and false pride must go down under the light of Truth. I was in my appointed place on Sunday, having had during the week more of the blessed assurance of God's love and care under all circumstances, and before many days the growth fell from my face, not even leaving a scar. I am deeply grateful for the earnest work of a consecrated practitioner during this experience.
