I wish to tell of an experience I had on shipboard while returning from a tour of Europe. About ten days before this time I had been attacked by a severe cold, which settled in my throat and ears. Many in the group I was traveling with had had colds and had received shots of so-called miracle drugs. Some had been forced to remain behind under a doctor's care, spending several days in bed before being able to rejoin the tour. I had received Christian Science help, and although I had not had a healing I was able to continue the tour and missed nothing I cared to see.
The day we boarded the ship for our return voyage home this trouble became more aggressive than ever. I was in great pain, and along with the swollen throat, my tongue began to swell. It was impossible to keep this from my husband, who is not a student of Christian Science. He feared that I had a dangerous throat infection, and he wanted me to go to the ship's doctor for an examination, saying that I need not take any medicine. This request I refused, mindful that Mrs. Eddy says (Science and Health, p. 37), "A physical diagnosis of disease—since mortal mind must be the cause of disease—tends to induce disease."
Several times the thought came to me to see if there was a Christian Science practitioner aboard so that I might get help, but I felt that the work was mine to do. Like David, who had gained confidence to meet Goliath by slaying a bear and a lion, in years of going about my Father's business I too had overcome fearful conditions, and thus I was confident that this Goliath of error would likewise yield.
