Testimony of Healing September 17, 1910 Issue

About nine years ago I collapsed with what materia medica...

Mary D. Van Antwerp with contributions from A. L. Van Antwerp

About nine years ago I collapsed with what materia medica diagnosed as extreme nervous trouble. The three and a half years that followed were so filled with mental and physical suffering that I am today grateful beyond all telling for my changed condition. Many physicians of the different schools were called upon to help me, and I was taken about to see what change of scene and climate would do for me, traveling by rail and water. As each new experiment was tried, there seemed to be some relief, but the gain was soon lost in another attack, until I was brought very low indeed. Christian Science was not entirely new to me, but I never thought of trying to get help from it during these years of pain. When but a child I had heard of Mrs. Eddy—in fact my father purchased her book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which was at that time in its fifteenth edition. Later I read it, but it made no pression upon me. I laid it aside as "too deep," yet always kept it among my books and brought it to Mexico with me.

One evening toward the close of the year 1905, after a long trying day, I suddenly said to my husband, "Where is my copy of Science and Health?" The words came without premeditation, as I had not thought of the books in years. He brought them to me, and I opened the first volume at page 189. My eyes fell on these words: "Fear is the foundation of all sickness," and I could read no farther. I seemed to realize in one moment how filled with fear I was, but together with that realization came the perfect assurance that I need not be afraid, and then followed the longing to know how not to be afraid. I believe the healing began from that hour, and gradually I was made free from the bondage of fear. The terrible symptoms left me one by one, and after a short time I could eat, could see my friends, and be among them once more, and could again enjoy my family and home.

At the time we joined The Mother Church I had no trace of nervous collapse, and headaches, stomach trouble, fainting spells, etc., all had left me. The lifting from mental depression, fear, and worry is truly most wonderful, and for this great blessing I am deeply grateful—grateful to God, who truly does work "in a mysterious [to human sense] way His wonders to perform;" and grateful to Mrs. Eddy for the wonderful help her "Key" is to us. There are many things for me yet to overcome, but today I work and study as one with a great hope.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

The healing power of Christian Science came to me when...