Testimony of Healing March 5, 1904 Issue

I was brought up under the influence of a church...

Hannah G. Miller

I was brought up under the influence of a church that adhered closely to the literal interpretation of the Bible and the observance of outward form and ceremony in its worship. When I was grown we moved into a community where there was no church of this denomination. A few years later, wishing to identify myself with Christian work and workers, I joined another church, and, so far as I knew, led a life consistent with its teachings and practices.

Moving again, I became troubled and anxious for fear I was not living up to the letter of the Bible. Truly desiring to be a Christian and to be confident and peaceful in my religious thought, I prayed earnestly to be guided to do the right thing. When in my mental struggle I reached a point where I was willing to make a complete surrender of self and walk in the way which I had preferred not to take, Christian Science was brought to my notice, and I began at once to study it. It attracted me and held me, and I could not explain why. I was shocked to learn that the forms and ceremonies, the non-observance of which had caused me so much distress, were observed only in their spiritual signification and application. Then there was a mental contest over every point in which Science differs from the old views; but as I gained understanding of the spiritual import of the Word through the study of our text-book, the fears and doubts all melted away. Now I rejoice that we may know that our religious thought is based upon divine Principle. "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God."

Several months after I began to meet and talk with Christian Scientists, I determined to try Christian Science for physical healing, for I very much needed help. I shall never forget the feeling that came over me on my return from my first treatment. My thought was, "Now I am in the hands of God," and I had a sweet sense of rest, peace, and hopefulness. In some respects, I realized benefit from treatments at once, but the ailments which seemed the worst were very slow in yielding. They seemed to disappear only as I grew in understanding and gained victories over self. I have no doubt the slow healing was best for me, as it kept me studying to learn how to overcome.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

In the later part of August, 1903, at two O'clock in the...