Shortly before Christmas, 1906, I was taken ill with what...

Ida Kirch

Shortly before Christmas, 1906, I was taken ill with what mortal belief calls acute lung trouble, with the accompanying symptoms of severe cough, high fever, etc. I was treated in Christian Science. Everything went its usual round in the house, there was not the slightest disturbance or unrest anywhere; while I lay quietly and peacefully in bed, untroubled by questions as to my condition, unmolested by conversation about my illness, and undisturbed in my rest. In four days I was up again.

About six months later, in July, 1907, my daughter fell ill of the same complaint, with cough, fever, etc. As she was not a believer in Christian Science, she was put under medical treatment and I undertook the nursing. The doctor prescribed six different remedies, one after another. In order to discharge my duty to the invalid I was about day and night, putting on compresses, etc. I had to exercise constant watchfulness in order not to neglect anything, and my maid had enough to do in helping me and in bringing all the necessary things for use; in short, the whole house was occupied in the preparation and administration of the different remedies prescribed.

The difference between the two methods of treatment came to me chiefly when, as continually happened, I was compelled to disturb the invalid to carry out some order. In spite of large doses of an opiate she had only brief intervals of sleep day or night, and if she tried to sleep, I was always at her bedside, and with sighs and groans she took what I brought. The doctor was frequently there, wearying her with questions and lengthy examinations and conversation about her health. Had I not had some knowledge of Christian Science, I should not have been able to carry through this responsibility with all the work and fatigue which it entailed. My daughter was in bed a fortnight, while in my case it was only four days. Realizing, however, that God is our Life, that He gives us health and strength, I overcame all sense of fatigue for myself, and when I had to get up several times at night to get something for the invalid, I fell asleep again at once, quietly and peacefully, and awoke strengthened and refreshed on the following morning.

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