Testimony of Healing January 20, 1912 Issue

On my way home from a Thanksgiving service I particularly...

Cecile Lorraine with contributions from Cornelis van Rennes, A. F. van Rennes, Sr., Editor, J. E. van der Meulen

On my way home from a Thanksgiving service I particularly regretted that I had not been among those who had taken advantage of the opportunity to render thanks to God for all the blessings received since coming into Christian Science. Then, like an illumination, it came to my consciousness that there was still a way open, by sending my testimony to the Sentinel, which would enable me to sound God's praises throughout the entire world.

When Christian Science was first offered to me, I received instantaneous help in the following manner: I was singing at the time in Australia with a Grand Opera company, and through fear of climate and belief in overwork my voice began to fail me. I was obliged to have the doctor give me electric treatment every time I had to sing. One day (when I was announced to sing Lenore in "II Trovatore" that evening) I found myself unable to speak above a whisper, and realizing that even the electricity could not tide me over this time, I was in despair and knew I must immediately inform the management.

The wife of our leading tenor happened to be stopping at the same hotel, and she was a Christian Scientist. Hearing of my trouble, she at once came and asked me to permit her to help me by giving me a treatment. She told me I would be in condition to appear that night, and said I need not advise the management to the contrary. I was absolutely ignorant of what constitutes the healing power of Christian Science, as this was the very first time I had ever heard it mentioned; but I remember walking in the park that afternoon with a couple of friends and passing close to a spot where I perceived this lady and her husband deeply engrossed in the study of Science and Health. I jokingly remarked, "Look at those two people there, they are treating me, and think they can make me sing tonight." Upon my return to the hotel this lady came in again to reassure me, and told me not to hold any fear; that she knew divine Love would meet my need. I told her that on the contrary I did not feel the least bit improved, and that she must be crazy if she thought I would risk my reputation by appearing before the public in that condition.

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