In the latter part of 1899, having been a sufferer for...
In the latter part of 1899, having been a sufferer for many years from throat and lung troubles, the liquor and tobacco habits having doubtless largely contributed to these ailments, my attention was called to Christian Science as a therapeutic agency. Despite the fact that I was wholly ignorant of the modus operandi by which the healing in Christian Science was accomplished, and, moreover, that I was partially under the influence of liquor when I had my first treatment, I was entirely cured of all desire for liquor during that treatment, and in less than six weeks I found myself well. During those weeks I had discarded glasses, which I had worn seven years to correct muscular defects; had given up tobacco, and had stopped using profanity and indulging in immoral story-telling. In other words, I found myself an earnest student of the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and was rejoicing in my wonderful healing.
Since my first treatment, Jan. 23, 1900, I have not taken a dose of medicine, but have relied wholly upon Christian Science to overcome all the discordant conditions that have come upon me. During this time I have suffered from what is known as typhoid-malaria, severe attacks of cold, and within the last two years I endured great distress from an infected condition of my left hand, which was caused, apparently, from a bruise. Under Christian Science treatment, however, the condition was entirely healed, and today I am writing this testimony on the typewriter with perfect freedom of my left hand. I have seen a number of instances where fingers were left quite rigid from a similar condition when treated in the usual way. The trouble was practically over in six weeks, so that I could chop wood and work in the garden.
Just before I took my first treatment in Christian Science, I had a severe attack of illness. During this time I was confined to my bed for ten days with a physician in daily attendance. I was so weak from the disease and the heroic treatment which the disease was said to require, that I was obliged to use a cane, and could with difficulty walk a block for some weeks after being able to get out of doors. After my fifth treatment in Christian Science at this time, I was able to leave Fresno, Cal., go to San Francisco, and take a position at once in an office as stenographer and typewriter.
Later, I was again attacked in the same way, but apparently much more severely than before. Instead of having a doctor this time, I at once called on a Christian Science practitioner for help. For some hours I suffered severely, but suddenly I began to feel a change; I broke into a gentle perspiration, and was able to return to my hotel with the help of the practitioner, as I was quite weak after the intense pain I had undergone. The next day I remained in bed, and at about one o'clock the practitioner came and again treated me. That evening about nine o'clock a waiter brought me a hearty dinner, which I ate with great zest, and the following morning I ate my breakfast as usual and returned to work—well! This convinced me more than ever of the superiority of Christian Science over medical treatment. In the latter with not nearly so severe an attack I had been obliged to remain ten days in bed and was scarcely able to move around for several weeks; in fact, every one thought my days on this earth were numbered; whereas, under Christian Science treatment I had lost only one day from work, to which I had returned perfectly well, so far as that disease was concerned, and it was but a short time after when all my maladies, or physical ills, had been entirely overcome. Today, after nearly eleven years, I weigh more than I ever did and am enjoying perfect health.
If time and space would permit, I could fill pages with the benefits that have come to me through Christian Science. My testimony in behalf of Christian Science would not be complete unless I should tell of what it has also done for my wife and child. Several times my wife has been brought out of conditions which looked as though they would prove fatal, and our little girl had two attacks of the measles, which left no resultant effects, and was healed of a severe cold in a few treatments. We have truly found Christian Science an ever-present help in every time of need; it gives to us a certain knowledge of the ever-living and true God, who forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases. I sincerely trust that this testimony may be the means of causing some afflicted one to seek the truth as shown forth in the words and works of our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.
William Akin Cox, Vida, Ore.
I first heard of Christian Science through the healing of my mother of diseases which no material means could cure. She had been ill for quite a long time, being partially paralyzed, and she was cured in three treatments. Naturally when I heard of it I wanted to know what Christian Science was, and I began to study "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. I was healed of neuralgia eight years ago, after having received medical treatment twenty years for it, and I have never had it since. I was also healed of an internal malignant disease. I was in a very bad condition and knew that neither doctors nor medicine could cure me, so I went to Christian Science for help and was healed. After a few treatments I felt so much better that I thought I could help myself with what understanding I had gained; but I grew worse, so I wrote to the practitioner, who was over two hundred miles away, to continue the treatment. She treated me about six months and the healing resulted.
I had been studying other books, miscalled Christian Science, and took treatment from those who were not Christian Scientists, with no results but that I was growing worse all the time. True Christian Science, as taught by Mrs. Eddy, then came to me, and through it I found the needed relief. I feel very thankful to God, and am deeply grateful for the good I have received from our Leader's writings. I know that we cannot love her too much. Christian Science is a blessing to all mankind.
Mrs. Elizabeth E. Hixon, Wauneta, Neb.
