Testimony of Healing April 8, 1922 Issue

For a number of years I attended the Christian Science...

Harriet Moses Steinan

For a number of years I attended the Christian Science church, read the Lesson-Sermon, and was very enthusiastic over the study of Christian Science. In talking to friends they would sometimes remark that no doubt Christian Science was all right in some cases, especially that of nervous trouble, but if an operation was needed or something very serious occurred, I would find it impossible to do without the services of a doctor; and I wondered just what I would do in such a trial. One night I was taken suddenly violently ill with peritonitis and a complication of disorders, and was in a condition that caused great fear in the home. A Christian Science practitioner was called and the work taken up at once; however, all in the home at that time were not students of Christian Science, and as the case seemed very alarming and great fear was manifest, a doctor was called. He at once wished to make arrangements for an immediate removal to a hospital, as an operation seemed necessary.

Although it seemed to me best that I consent to having a doctor, I would not consent to the thought of a hospital. The doctor did all he could, but every opiate and different medicine had no effect, as I did not believe in medicine. Finally, the doctor stated that there was nothing more that could be done, that a consultation would do no good, as it was too late for an operation and there was a chance that I might live about twelve hours, but the end was near. From five in the morning until seven in the evening, everything seemed to take place that accompanies passing on. Then I heard the question asked, "Do you want a Christian Science practitioner?" This was repeated several times, and I grasped this thought and managed to respond out of a seemingly unconscious state. The same dear Christian Scientist was sent for and lovingly returned; the doctor was at once dismissed and all medicine poured out. The door of love was thrown open to the living God, ever present divine Principle. The next morning I sat up in bed and raised my hand and said, "Good morning." The second night error tried again to manifest itself, but in the darkest hour I was firm. Doubt, discouragement, fear of every kind, had given place to peace and to calm trust; for I felt that though I might walk "through the valley of the shadow of death," I would "fear no evil," and it was a shadow that was passing, leaving me whole and free. Though the deep waters seemed very near, I knew I could not again fall back into that whirling black abyss of despair.

In ten days the healing was complete, and I have never been ill a day since that time, which was a number of years ago. Before this I had at different times been subject to severe attacks of stomach trouble, and such like. I was not at the time of this experience a member of any church, but felt that the time had arrived when I must take a firm stand for Christian Science; that I could better accomplish this as a member of the Christian Science church, and so as soon as possible I joined both The Mother Church in Boston and a branch church of this city; and I try each day to prove by my life what Christian Science has done for our home, and to be loyal to our cause.

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