Testimony of Healing January 25, 1913 Issue

About the middle of June, 1911, I discovered that I had...

Benj. F. Chandler with contributions from Florence E. Barber

About the middle of June, 1911, I discovered that I had a left inguinal hernia, and although it daily grew larger, I did not give it much thought till about a week later, when one day it caused me considerable pain and annoyance, and I realized that it must receive attention. I asked a Christian Science practitioner for help, and after four absent treatments had been given me, the manifestation entirely disappeared, the usual tests showing normal strength to have been regained.

Fifteen years ago I had a similar difficulty on the right side. I consulted a surgeon, who told me that the "radical cure" (an operation) was the only satisfactory treatment. I demurred at this, however, and was recommended to a recognized expert in surgical appliances who might give me temporary relief. The expert promised that if I would follow his directions he would cure me; and I did so with the result that I had a week of torture, a month of acute discomfort, and six other months of continual annoyance. At the end of that time I was pronounced cured, and the surgeon had to admit it, although he expressed doubts as to the permanence of the cure. A year later I entered the employ of this surgical appliance expert, and was with him for several years, during which time I became familiar with hernia in all its forms and with the opinion of the medical profession concerning it, having called on over three thousand doctors in his interest. I have recited the above to show that, when I say that on a Wednesday night I had a well-developed case of hernia and on the following Monday I was unable to find a trace of it, or even of weakness, my experience makes me competent to speak as to both diagnosis and cure.

The foregoing is merely one and possibly the least important reason for my gratitude to Christian Science. It has also relieved me from the tobacco and drinking habits, removing all desire in both instances before I gave up the practises. With tobacco, particularly, I used to wonder why I could no longer find a cigar that tasted good, until I discovered that the appetite for tobacco had been destroyed, and my freedom from that habit was immediate. While I have enjoyed many proofs of the healing power of Truth and of its ever-presence, that for which I am most deeply grateful is the change I recognize in myself—in my character, my ambitions, and what I now regard as essentials. These changes may possibly not be perceptible to others, but they loom large on my mental horizon and there is no dodging the issue, namely, that the study of Christian Science, as taught by our dear Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has wrought them.

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