Christian Science first came to my notice when I was a...

Christian Science first came to my notice when I was a child of twelve years, through the restoration of two relatives from invalidism to perfect health. Some of the teachings were then grasped and retained, and several years later, because of a scalp disease which had apparently developed, treatment was taken up for me. As the disease was not overcome within a week or two (and I am not surprised now that it was not, as the physical appearance was constantly watched by my family), material remedies were again used and temporary relief was obtained. I really wanted Christian Science to heal me, for I had always been of a deeply religious nature and daily studied my Bible, but family opinion prevailed. Some of the seeds of truth sown then by the practitioner were, however, to bear fruit later.

After two strenuous years in college my health broke down. Much was suffered in silence in the hope that my small understanding of Christian Science would meet the need, but as it was not sufficient I was obliged to have medical treatment, which caused me great mental distress. For several months I could not walk. Finally I decided to read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," even though I had medical treatment, for I knew this reading would bring some peace of mind. Many theories presented in my college work had seemingly put me at sea. One day I read a testimony in the textbook by a woman who had been healed of an illness of twenty years' standing, and knowing that what God had done for her could be done for me, I took my stand for Christian Science. An awful struggle ensued, although I read day and night, often being compelled by the constant pain to arise during the night and read and declare the truth until relief came. But God gave me the strength and courage to endure to the end, even though the aid of anyone with greater understanding could not then be had because of family opposition. Physical strength returned with increased knowledge of what spiritual strength means.

I did not return to school that fall, but divine Love led me to a brother's home in Seattle where Christian Science was the only physician, and there I could give most of my time for nine months to the study, with the loving help of a practitioner for six weeks, who then told me that the rest of the work was mine. The scalp trouble was overcome, and my hair grew longer and thicker than ever before. The complete healing was slow, but this caused me to seek "first" the kingdom of God, knowing that in due time the other things would be added, after the turbulent waters of mortal mind had been cleansed of all the impurities of wrong thinking.

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Testimony of Healing
Seven years ago I had yet to learn that man's estate is...
February 2, 1918
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