Testimony of Healing December 2, 1933 Issue

For more than twenty years I have enjoyed the blessings...

Ella Lillard Cowles

For more than twenty years I have enjoyed the blessings of Christian Science. In July, 1907, while living in San Francisco, I was suddenly taken ill with what was termed nervous prostration. A consultation of doctors was called, and they decided that it would be necessary to operate for an internal growth which might be either cancer or tumor. As my husband refused to consent to the operation, we made a change of physicians; and then for four months resorted to almost every known system of healing, including osteopathy and electricity; but my condition did not improve. Most of this time I took only liquid nourishment. Opiates were administered every two hours, but this resulted in a serious eruption on the limbs. At the same time I was suffering from constipation, indigestion, heart trouble, insomnia, and several other ailments. Finally my husband called still another physician, who, after an examination, gave us absolutely no hope. Thoroughly disheartened, and feeling that the end was near, I called the pastor of one of the orthodox churches to come and pray at my bedside.

Soon after this a letter came from a sister in Los Angeles, telling of the instantaneous healing of a friend through Christian Science treatment. Several years before, Christian Science had come to my attention, and I had had a few treatments, but had gained no understanding of its teachings. Now, in my extremity, I wanted Christian Science treatment. Several days later I was taken to Los Angeles. The last opiate I ever took was given to me on the train; and on our arrival treatment was begun at once. In a few days I buried all my drugs and material remedies, and I have never used anything of the kind since.

I was not healed quickly, but the slow healing necessitated much earnest study of our textbooks. I learned that my first duty is to God; and I formed the practice, continued with few exceptions through the years, of studying the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly daily, usually early in the morning. I have been especially grateful for the spiritual interpretation of the Bible which Christian Science gives. Although I had read the Bible for years, it had little meaning for me; but with the understanding of its teachings that has unfolded through the study of our Leader's writings have come a deep love and reverence for the Bible, "the chart of life, where the buoys and healing currents of Truth are pointed out" (Science and Health, p. 24).

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