I feel it to be my duty toward God and my fellow beings...

Alwine Knell

I feel it to be my duty toward God and my fellow beings to give this testimony as an expression of my deep-felt gratitude. Our babe was born with a lame arm, which hung inertly by his side. The little fellow was several days old before I became aware of the defect, and my husband, who is very quickly beset by fear, sent for a physician, who examined the arm but gave me very little hope, saying that the nature of the trouble had not yet been ascertained and that nothing could be done. My husband then sent for another medical man, who told me that the arm must be treated with electricity, and a couple of days later he returned with a professional colleague; the arm was examined once more, and very little encouragement was given.

Having attended the Christian Science services for about a year, besides reading a good deal of the literature, I held fast to the thought that it was not God's will that my child should have a lame arm. I also entrusted him to the care of a practitioner, who treated him three times a week, with the result that in five weeks' time the affliction gradually disappeared. He began to move his little finger, then the hand, and the effects of God's omnipotence were daily noticeable. Today the arm is normal.

Later, an abscess formed on the child's head. It presented an inflamed appearance, and fear got hold of me; but with my small understanding I held to the truth and immediately sent to a Christian Science practitioner, who took up treatment for the child. My husband said that should the abscess not break on the following day, he would have it lanced, as it might result in something serious. I slept little that night, but prayed God for help; my prayer was answered, and no operation was needed. I would also mention that the child was very bright during all those days, and it became plainly apparent that when error is denied and the presence of God recognized, evil loses its seeming power.

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