Testimony of Healing January 27, 1912 Issue

These words of Christ Jesus, "Ye shall know the truth,...

Lillian M. Bartels

These words of Christ Jesus, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free," were proved true by my healing eleven years ago in Christian Science. I was said to have been very ill in infancy and was never considered very strong. Upon graduating from school I was taken to Europe to study art, and at the end of a year of hard work my eyes began to fail. I consulted an oculist who had the reputation of being one of the best in Europe, and was told that I had defective vision. He ordered glasses, which I wore continually while studying, but received no benefit. After three years I returned to America, and again had my eyes examined. My glasses were changed many times, but no improvement resulted. I would often be obliged to go to bed on account of very severe headaches, and my eyes grew gradually worse, until finally I became almost helpless unless I had my glasses on. I then decided that the only way in which I could obtain relief at all was to be operated upon; but no cure could be guaranteed.

My general health at that time was steadily failing. I was unable to walk more than a few blocks at a time, unless under the influence of a drug. The many physicians to whom I went did their best to help me; I tried various kinds of treatment, but all to no avail; the attacks of suffering came more frequently and lasted longer each time. As I received no benefit from medicine, it was deemed best that I should undergo an operation. My father wished me to try Christian Science, but I was not inclined to do so as I was much opposed to what I believed this teaching to be. I was a member of an orthodox church, but did not feel satisfied. There were so many denominations, so many conflicting opinions as to what is right and what is wrong, that the question arose in my mind what God is. I read many religious books, hoping I might find an answer, but not until I read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy did I understand God aright.

While in this condition a friend invited me to spend a week with her. She said, "I have a book, Science and Health, which I have not read and do not know anything about; will you read it?" I replied that I would do so. She did not know, nor did I, that by reading this book I might be healed. I went on a Monday morning to visit her and had taken my medicines with me. I read the book that afternoon, but did not seem to understand it; still I could not leave it alone.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

Sincerest gratitude impels me to testify to the rich blessings...