In the year 1886 I was a great sufferer from a complication...

Martha E. Killie

In the year 1886 I was a great sufferer from a complication of troubles, from which the best medical skill, both in our own and eastern cities, was unable to relieve me. For nearly three years I had been unable to sleep without drugs, owing to the constant pain which made life a burden. Physicians and a surgeon, after careful examination, agreed that the primary trouble was beyond the reach of surgery; that local treatment might alleviate the distress, but nothing could cure it. This treatment was strictly adhered to for some time, but conditions grew steadily worse. I had been reared from childhood in an orthodox church, and tried to believe that God was afflicting me for some wise purpose; yet I longed and prayed for health and strength to care for my loved family. Divine Love answered our prayer in a way that we knew not. By seeming chance, we heard of a case of disease cured without medicine. Not knowing what the method was, and only to please my husband, after being assured it could do no harm, I consented to take treatment. The uplifting thought of an early student of our beloved Leader soon broke the spell. After seven weeks' treatment my body was in a normal condition, and, far better still, an absorbing study of our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," then in its sixteenth edition, was revealing the wonderful fact that the truth which was promised by Christ Jesus, and which he said should make us free, is right here now and always, ready to heal and bless, as the Master and his followers did in the days of old. Only those who have been thus divinely healed can appreciate the joy and peace which enfolded me. In this "atmosphere of Love divine," many almost spontaneous demonstrations of Love's healing power took place.

This seems like a good place to stop; but there is another chapter to add, which I hope may help any who have come down from the mountain-top into the valley, and may be still lingering in its shadows. To such a one I want to say, There is no shadow so deep that all-powerful, ever-present Love will not penetrate and wholly dispel.

Following my healing, for several busy happy years I lived in "Love's atmosphere." Though sometimes there seemed much to meet, the truth of Paul's words never failed, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me," but a time came when material cares and duties seemed to multiply, and little time was left for spiritual food and growth; then an accident occurred, a fall, injuring the hip. This was not regarded as serious at the time, but gradually a sense of weakness and pain began to develop, then there was a limp, slight at first, but increasing as time passed on. I tried spasmodically to overcome it with the declarations of Truth, but the childlike faith seemed to have vanished. Other practitioners were then called upon, but little if any improvement resulted. I felt that the fault was mine, and a sense of discouragement took possession of me, also the thought that it was my "thorn in the flesh," which must be borne with the best grace possible.

About this time, in the fall of 1904, business changes made it necessary for us to leave the city, and for the next few years we were isolated most of the time from Christian Science surroundings. The lameness had grown steadily worse, and after our return to Denver it was thought best to have an X-ray examination. This resulted in my being put in the hands of a bone specialist, the best that could be obtained, from whom, to satisfy anxious relatives, a month's vigorous treatment was taken. I think it was the saddest month of my life. I was suffering greatly; and going on crutches, the limb being much shortened and growing rapidly worse. At the end of the month, mortal mind was satisfied that nothing but God's power could heal me, and with a heart full of gratitude for this I turned to divine Love with renewed faith and hope. The physical healing was very slow, and I realized as never before how far I had been wandering in the wilderness of doubt and discouragement and fear. One and then another faithful, loving practitioner helped me when the way seemed dark, and as God's true likeness gradually took its rightful place in my consciousness, the crutches and lastly the cane were laid aside forever; and now, in the words of Isaiah, I can "walk, and not faint," for divine Love has renewed my strength.

I feel that this experience has taught me more compassion and tenderness for those who have strayed from the light, or who may seem slow to respond to the arguments of Truth; and with the earnest hope that this chapter in my experience may help to cheer and encourage any such, I gratefully and lovingly send this testimony.

Mrs. Martha E. Killie, Denver, Col.

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