Testimony of Healing March 2, 1918 Issue

The winter of 1907 found me bedfast with a complication...

Jennie Garrett Devore

The winter of 1907 found me bedfast with a complication of diseases, among them a serious stomach trouble, which had not yielded to the earnest efforts of a number of physicians and a specialist. I had no hope of recovery and little desire to get well.

A copy of the Christian Science Sentinel was handed me, with the remark that I could have the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, if I cared to read it. At this time I knew nothing of Christian Science, but remembered hearing some one make the remark that its adherents did not take medicine. I did not become interested in the Sentinel until I began to read the testimonies, then I borrowed the textbook and began to read it. I was not able to hold the book, so had to read lying on my side, and although I did not understand much that I read, I could hardly put the book down. In three days I was able to do little things about the house, and began to leave off different medicines. I also went to the table and ate what was put before me. There was some fear as I would do these things, but something seemed to be leading me to do them, and I made the effort, with the result that I was healed at once of all the discordant conditions from which I had been suffering.

About six weeks after this I was called one morning by a member of the family who was suffering from a headache, and asked if I could prepare the breakfast. As I stepped out of bed every symptom of the old troubles came back. My first thought was that it was not true that I had been relieved and healed, and that the family would ridicule me, as they had been opposed to my studying Christian Science. I seemed to be helpless again, and what could I do? As I asked myself this question it came to me to repeat verses of Scripture, and while dressing I did this, for I had read the Bible a great deal and was familiar with a number of passages. Then every few minutes the Master's words would come to me: "Get thee behind me, Satan." The breakfast was prepared, but I could not eat. A member of the family was going away at eleven o'clock and I had to prepare a basket of provisions, so I went about this, but with a great effort, for I was suffering intensely. When the dinner was prepared the family came to the table and I sat down with them, but felt too sick to eat. There was a couch in the room and I looked toward it, thinking I would have to admit to the family that I was ill. Hitherto they had not noticed that I was suffering. Then it came to me to make one more effort, so I repeated firmly to myself the truth, and instantly was relieved of all pain, was made free. I ate my dinner and enjoyed it, feeling that I was being sustained by some unseen presence. In the afternoon I went downtown, and it seemed to me that every one I met was smiling and happy, and everything looked bright and beautiful, I was so uplifted.

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