Testimony of Healing November 3, 1917 Issue

It is over three and a half years since I first heard of...

Emma Parry with contributions from Robert Parry

It is over three and a half years since I first heard of Christian Science. At that time I was in a desperate condition. For fifteen years I had suffered from rheumatic gout, affecting every joint from my neck to my toes. Several of the joints were locked, and each day I seemed capable of doing less. Several doctors and a specialist were consulted, and they all agreed that my case was incurable. I could do very little for myself; in fact was quite dependent upon my friends for everything.

At the time I heard of Christian Science I was much troubles about a sister who was suffering from a mental breakdown which was declared to be incurable, though she had been under medical care for about five years. In speaking of my sister a friend who visited at my home said she knew that Christian Science would heal her. I simply laughed at the thought and told her how many doctors had the case, and that all had said she would never be better; but my friend was insistent, so I promised to mention the matter to my parents and abide by their decision. When I did mention the matter, my father said he would not have Christian Science tried; that if prayers could have saved her she would have been better long ago, and I agreed with him in this view of the case.

A few days later I was thinking about my sister's case and my own, and feeling very sorry for both of us, when the thought came, Why not try Christian Science? I had done everything possible to give her even the smallest pleasure, and if in later years I found that Christian Science could have helped her, I would never be able to forgive myself; so I at once proceeded to find out something about this teaching. I was introduced to a practitioner, and told her of my sister's case only. She talked very kindly to me, and listened patiently to my sad story, then asked me to call again after thinking over what she had said. I did call again, and she agreed to take my sister's case and give absent treatment, but she asked me to read Science and Health, which she kindly lent me. I look the book home and tried to read it, but did not understand it; however, having promised to read, I did so each day faithfully. Very often I went to see the practitioner, and I also attended the service at the church on Sundays and Wednesdays.

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