Testimony of Healing April 25, 1914 Issue

In May, 1907, while coming from the Philippine Islands,...

Sylvia M. McDonald with contributions from J. E. McDonald

In May, 1907, while coming from the Philippine Islands, I was taken very sick. Each day I became weaker, until by the time we arrived at San Francisco it was thought I would pass on. As soon as the boat was docked my husband telephoned to a Christian Science practitioner, who came and worked for me, with the result that in a few hours it was decided I could be removed on a stretcher to her house.

I continued to improve for a few days, then grew worse. While alone one day, I decided to call in a physician to diagnose the case, as we did not know the exact trouble. Two physicians came, and they said that I had a serious organic trouble, also that I had better be removed to a hospital, where I could have constant care. I had suffered a great deal and the thought of relief was pleasant to me, so I was taken to a hospital. (As we knew no one in San Francisco, this seemed for the best.) At the hospital another doctor examined me. When I had been there several days, the severest pains I had yet experienced seized me, and after an examination the doctor told me that I would have to undergo an operation; that I would otherwise never be able to get around and would be an invalid all my life. My first thought was to have the operation performed, but immediately it came to me that I had studied Christian Science for years, had advocated it, given it to others, and that now was the time to prove that God can heal all our diseases.

My husband told me he would not influence me one way or the other; and that if I wanted materia medica I could have the best to be had, but if I wanted Christian Science he would try to find another practitioner. All I said was, "I want Christian Science." He then reported my decision to the doctor, who said I would have to be removed immediately, as he would not have Christian Scientists coming to the hospital, or words to that effect. The nurses tried to persuade me to change my mind, but I had decided, and I felt at peace after the decision. The pain gradually left. I afterward found out that the nurse in charge of me that night had been instructed to give me opiates if I began to have the least pain; but that was not necessary, for there was no pain. I continued to improve, except for one condition, which was obstinate.

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