Testimony of Healing September 16, 1922 Issue

When Christian Science first found me—or when I found...

Maude L. Abbott

When Christian Science first found me—or when I found Christian Science—some six years ago, I was as pitiable a wreck as one ever sees. As a child, I was not strong; and even when very small life was such a burden that my thought often was, Why did my parents try to keep me alive when it wasn't any use?

In the course of time, I had various kinds of medical and surgical treatment designed to improve upon nature; and I am sure it was all done with the best and kindliest intentions. However, nothing did any permanent good; and finally I became almost entirely sleepless, and existed upon dried bread and water and several very powerful stimulants. I had also become nearly blind. If one had asked me in those years my idea of heaven, my reply would have been: to die, to sleep; for not in months had I been without several kinds of sleeping medicines within reach, nor could I sleep more than a few minutes at a time, and that in a half reclining position. Finally, a dear friend asked me to try Christian Science; and though I felt sure it could not help me, since I had had so much done in other ways and only grew worse, yet at the wish of my husband I consented to be taken to a practitioner. I could barely distinguish the outlines of the furnishings in the room; and a few feet from me the practitioner, in her white dress, was like something dimly seen in a dream. I did not believe a word she said; but when she insisted I must promise not to touch my medicines again, I was fully aware what that meant! How could I turn instantly from all drugs? I could not—all at once! But she was adamant; and after a dreadful struggle with my fears, I promised. That night I astonished my husband by eating strawberries and cream, with cake and a few other things which had been unheard of in many months; and the following day I did a washing.

The way was long, and at time would have been unbearable but for the kindness of the practitioner; but the promise once made was never broken. I have never since taken any medicine; and am to-day in better health than at any time in my life. I am able to care for my family and take long walks, sometimes of many miles. Best of all, the nights no longer hold terror for me, for with the "sweet singer of Israel" I can say: "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety."

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