Testimony of Healing November 25, 1916 Issue

Following an experience which was the source of unspeakable...

Merle Scott Reder

Following an experience which was the source of unspeakable mental anguish and sorrow as well as great physical suffering I underwent a series of illnesses, surgical operations, and the like, until it seemed that I had run the gamut of the ills to which flesh is heir. The climax seemed to be reached in April, 1910, when I lay for days in what was supposed to be death's stupor, as the result of an acute attack of peritonitis. A specialist was summoned, and after consultation with the attending physician announced that the end was at hand.

At eleven o'clock at night the minister whose church I had attended was called. While those about thought me in a state of coma, yet I knew when the minister came into the room and why he was there. A great hope surged up within me and I thought, "Now here is one who will understand how to pray, and he will pray for me to get well." But imagine my disappointment as he prayed for comfort for the sorrowing husband and mother, and that my sins might be forgiven and my soul saved in heaven. He was, in fact, entirely resigned to the thought that I must die. In that moment rebellion swept over me, and I knew that this man's understanding of God was incorrect. I no longer wanted to live because of the sweetness of life, but that I might search out the meaning of life and be of service. To the surprise of the doctors and nurse, morning brought a slight change for the better, which continued slowly for two weeks, during which time no medicine was taken and no tangible help rendered. At the end of this time I was able to be taken by my mother to her home in another state. There I lay in a state of apathy and weakness, yet reaching out with hungry heart for peace and satisfaction.

I knew nothing of Christian Science, having known but one Christian Scientist in my life, but one morning I recalled the remark of a friend that I might be helped by it. Immediately I took up the telephone and called the first Christian Science practitioner listed in the directory. I at first insisted that he must call at my home, but after a little I promised to go to his office the next afternoon. It was only with a supreme effort that I made the trip, accompanied by my sister, and this helplessness was extremely humiliating, though

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