I was born under a decided physical handicap

I was born under a decided physical handicap. From one parent the so-called heritage was asthma, from the other a predisposition to tuberculosis. When I was five years old my father passed on. According to the current orthodox Protestant teaching, this was explained as "God's will." From a delicate, croupy child I became neurotic, resentful, devoid of faith in God.

The crisis came at the beginning of my senior college year. When a most severe attack of asthma lengthened into weeks, two faithful physicians offered only temporary relief under a sedative; then Christian Science was suggested and accepted. I received help from a practitioner, and immediate relief followed, the attacks becoming shorter and farther apart. Then followed a period of mental nibbling, interspersed by a wilderness experience covering a period of ten years. At no time did I doubt the efficacy of Christian Science, but as yet the truth about God and man had not dawned in my consciousness. With the aid of a faithful practitioner tares of self-pity, self-condemnation, self-justification, and the brambles of hatred and resentment, were dug up. When, in September, 1930, I was willing to thank God for every breath, complete and final healing of asthma came. Fear of tuberculosis disappeared. With the aid of a practitioner, double bronchial pneumonia was healed in three hours, through following the command, "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils," and by knowing that in God "we live, and move, and breathe."

For innumerable physical healings and the elimination of grief at the passing on of a dear one, I am profoundly grateful. More than all else I am thankful for the changed mental outlook brought about by a consistent study of the works of Mary Baker Eddy, together with the Bible. I am grateful to God, to Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, and to our Leader.—(Miss) Emma Arbuthnot, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit