Testimony of Healing October 5, 1907 Issue

It is now about eight years since I was healed through...

Mary V. St. Clair with contributions from William C. Holbrook

It is now about eight years since I was healed through Christian Science. I had been sick nearly ten years prior to that time, and had tried all sorts of medical treatment, the doctors diagnosing the disease as stomach and bowel trouble. I had used a stomach tube for years, and at the time of my healing was on invalid's diet. Christian Science had been presented to me, but I was indifferent to it. I had asked the doctor if I could be cured. His answer was, "No," but that he could help me. A time came, however, when I seemed not even to get help. There were no Scientists where we were living, and I went to Wellington, Kan. When I started out I did not know whether I should go to a doctor or to a Christian Science practitioner, but Truth led me. I had a talk with the practitioner, and took treatment. She told me to eat whatever was on the table, and use no material remedies. I told her that although my faith was not very strong, I would show her the same courtesy I did the doctors, and follow her directions faithfully. I took three weeks' treatment, and was healed. Then came the old cry from others, that possibly nothing had ailed me, only imagination; but the doctors failed to remove the imagination! After my healing I went to my old home to visit, and one of the neighbors, in discussing my case, said to another neighbor, "I do not understand it, but I know more about Mrs. St. Clair than any one else, and I know that whereas she was sick, she is now well."

At that time I simply wanted the physical healing, and although I depended on Christian Science for physical help, it was only a little over three years ago that I took up the daily study of the Bible and Science and Health with the Christian Science Quarterly. I had been a member of an orthodox church, but am now connected with the Christian Science church. We have been through deep waters, and at times it would seem that we were to be overwhelmed, but Truth, the strong deliverer, was near us. We have never lived where I could have the benefit of Christian Science services, so I can only attend when visiting friends. I am thankful for the benefits I have received, and also grateful to Mrs. Eddy that this light has come to us through her, and that we have Science and Health for our daily companion.—Mrs. Mary V. St. Clair, Carmen, Okla.

The truth of the scientific statement of being, given on page 468 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, was proven to me and brought me immeasurable blessing, in 1896. Recurring attacks during eighteen years of rheumatic trouble, which was thought to be hereditary, culminated in an attack that was lasting and severe. After trying material means, and employing good physicians who tried their best to help me, I turned to Christian Science for help. This I was led to do through the kindness of a friend, who told me of her own healing and invited me to a Sunday service at The Mother Church in Boston. The sense of security and peace which I felt that day seemed a foretaste of heaven. At the time I began treatment, matter and sickness seemed very real to me. I remember that I said to the practitioner, "It is of no use to tell me that this disease is not real, for I know it is." Her wise and loving reply made me see that she was not working by a man-made theory but had something higher to rest upon. I saw, too, that she had a real wish to have me healed. After some weeks of treatment I was well. Only those who saw me in illness can understand what this means to me, and no one but myself can know what the lifting of the heavy load of fear meant.

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