Testimony of Healing April 22, 1911 Issue

About fourteen years ago I was taken ill

T. Pugsley with contributions from Ruth Smith Williams

About fourteen years ago I was taken ill. I thought it was a strain, but the doctor told me it was rheumatism. I went on for several years, able to work sometimes and then laid by again. Finally I had the advice of another doctor, who told me that my spine had been hurt and that this was the cause of all my trouble. He advised me to wear a support, which I did for two years, but never was free from the pain. At last my legs gave way and I lost the use of them altogether, as I was paralyzed below my hips. The doctors got me into a hospital, but could not do me any good. I was there about seven weeks and was worse when I came home than when I went there. I had to lie in bed, I could not move my legs, and I had to be lifted from the bed to my chair. The doctor told my wife I would never walk again, and that she must prepare for more trouble yet, as he thought it would affect my head. The doctors said they could not do any more for me; but they were all very kind, and I feel sure that if they could have cured me they would have done so.

I had never heard of Christian Science, but as I was lying on my bed one evening a dear lady who is a Christian Scientist and was staying in this place, sent her maid, who is also a Scientist, to tell me about it. As they were going away the next morning, the maid asked whether the lady should write to me. The lady sent me a copy of Science and Health, which I began to read, and although at first I could not seem to grasp the truth, I read on and with the help of this kind lady I soon began to get better. At first I could just move one foot a little—only just a little—but every day I got a little stronger, and one day I tried to stand on my feet and found that I could just bear my own weight again. I soon began to try to walk, and I read in Science and Health where Mrs. Eddy calls our attention to the Scripture which says, "They that wait upon the Lord ... shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." She goes on, "When we wake to the truth of being, all disease, pain, weakness, weariness, sorrow, sin, death, will be unknown" (Science and Health, p. 218). I used these promises as my strength; and the first time the neighbors saw me walking they said it was a miracle. They never thought to see me walk again.

The healing was slow; but now I never feel anything of the disease, although I have a lot of wet weather to be out in when I am at my work as a fisherman; but I never think of being ill. Science and Health says (p. 495), "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea." I can walk miles and not feel anything the worse, now that I am healed through the understanding of the truth. I close with thanks to God, and to our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, the Founder of Christian Science, for Science and Health.

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