Testimony of Healing July 8, 1905 Issue

As a believer in Christian Science, I feel it a pleasant...

Fred L. Bauer

As a believer in Christian Science, I feel it a pleasant privilege to narrate the circumstances concerning my change of ideas relative to the restoration of health. About two years before I was healed by Christian Science, I had a severe attack of peritonitis, and was confined at home for three weeks. The doctor gave my mother strict orders that I was not to have anything solid to eat, and put me on a diet of olive oil and hot water. He also told me that when I was able to be about again I must avoid being out in wet, stormy weather, as another attack would result in an operation, because it would be unsafe to attempt to pull me through otherwise. As my work keeps me outside all day, these orders caused me a great amount of worry. When I returned to work again, a friend asked me why I did not try Christian Science, and I answered that I did not have any faith in it. In fact, I had always ridiculed it. He told me of many benefits derived from it, and finally induced me to go to a Wednesday evening meeting. I became interested before I knew it. I went to these meetings from time to time, and I was gradually being prepared for a demonstration in healing which turned me to Christian Science. I was suddenly taken with a similar attack to that described above, and when I reached home I was immediately put under the same treatment that the doctor had previously ordered. I told my mother that I wanted Christian Science, but she was greatly opposed to having me experimented upon. I was very decided, however, and a Christian Scientist was called. While he was there I agreed to give up the bandages, medicine, and doctor as soon as I could without exciting the family too much.

This was on Tuesday. Wednesday the inflammation and pain were all gone after a fine night's sleep, and Thursday I was up and dressed. Friday I went to Boston and did a full day's work, which consisted of walking from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Although it was a cold, rainy day I felt no bad effects. My friends then concluded that I did not have peritonitis after all, and I quite agreed with them; but had I not employed Christian Science I would have had to pass through the same trouble as before, and probably have had an operation, with the attendant expense of doctors and hospital, besides six weeks from business.

Previous to this experience I was like the average young man, having no religious restraint. The first business I transacted on arriving in Boston was the purchase of a copy of Science and Health and a Quarterly. I then commenced studying our Sunday Lessons. This is a safe practice for Christian Science beginners in every case. Before I had been studying Christian Science a month I made the following demonstration. Among my customers was a lady who had been extremely disagreeable to me every time I called. I felt that I hated her; but having had several lessons in the understanding of divine Love, I decided to apply them in her case. Directly on leaving my office for her place I endeavored to realize that she was God's child, and that she never intended to be unkind to me. On my arrival she greeted me with a smile, and assisted me to transact my business, something she had never done before, which proves how quickly we can utilize this truly helpful religion.

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