Testimony of Healing February 23, 1907 Issue

Thirty-three years ago, while teaching vocal music, I...

Nathaniel Shaffstall

Thirty-three years ago, while teaching vocal music, I was supposed to have overworked the vocal organs, and by taking cold I contracted a throat trouble, culminating in an abnormal growth which at one time so obstructed the throat that I was unable to swallow food. I had medical treatment, but received little or no benefit. While a soldier in the Civil War I had also contracted stomach and bowel troubles, for which I consulted several doctors, but the medicine I took had no effect. When I was examined for a pension the doctors discovered that I had heart trouble, besides rheumatic trouble. I then moved to South Bend, Ind., where for one year I doctored with three different physicians, one of them, who was a throat specialist, advising me to go to a different climate; but I grew worse right along.

In this extremity I was advised by a neighbor to try Christian Science, and in January, 1899, I went to see a practitioner, and took my first treatment. I felt the good effects before I left the house, and from that day I could eat anything I wished with no bad results. At the end of the week the practitioner suspended treatment, advising me to help myself by reading the Christian Science text-book. During this first week I was enabled to walk about five miles in the country, in deep snow, running the last mile and a half to catch a train, whereas previous to this I could not walk as many blocks without the greatest difficulty. At the end of six weeks my throat was healed in a most peculiar manner. It was in the nature of a surgical operation, performed by the power of Truth. One morning, after having felt more discomfort than usual, I felt impelled to clear my throat, and what seemed a piece of solid matter was expelled with great force, but painlessly. Thus an obstruction of over thirty-three years' standing was completely removed, and I can now sing as if I had never had any trouble with my throat. My eyesight, which had become very dim, was restored the first day so that I could see to read the finest print. I have also been entirely freed from the catarrhal trouble. The healing seemed to manifest itself all at once by a clearing and expulsion that was very marked, and there was no return of the trouble. Later on I took a few treatments from time to time, until I was perfectly well. I gained in flesh so that I weighed more than ever before, and am now robust and hearty, and able to do the heaviest kind of labor.

With my healing there came such a wave of gratitude, and a longing to give to others "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," that I cannot express it in words. It is my whole desire to spread the gospel of Truth, and to show in works as well as in words the gratitude I have to God, and to our revered Leader, for the means that have brought Christian Science to me.—Nathaniel Shaffstall, Mishawaka, Ind.

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