It is my desire to express my humble gratitude for Christian Science...

Ella Florence Bushnell with contributions from Burdge Ogden Bushnell

It is my desire to express my humble gratitude for Christian Science and for the great good that even a little understanding of its teachings and interpretation of the Master's words and works brings to the receptive thought.

Though the way has sometimes seemed very dark, there has never been the hopelessness and despair of former days. I have experienced complete release from prolonged invalidism following childbirth, an operation, and a nervous breakdown. So pronounced was the regeneration that my whole appearance and character have been changed. With a host of others, I know I have found the "pearl of great price," and joy wells up within me even in the face of discouraging sense testimony.

I am grateful not only for the "works" we see all around us today, but also for those "greater works" which the Master promised his followers. Envisioning this higher goal, we can indeed "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Our home and those within it have been protected and delivered times without number. My daughter, from a delicate babyhood, has grown to strong and happy girlhood, free from the pall of childhood diseases that seem, under material law, to hang over children. Whooping cough was healed in the early stages, and chicken pox in less than a day.

My husband was healed, miraculously as it seemed to observers, after being attended by a physician who forgot to remove a four-inch rubber drain from his leg. After four months he turned wholly to Christian Science, and within a week the drain came out of itself, traveling a distance of several inches. Although a considerable portion of his leg had been consumed by the infection, and the vicinity of the knee had become stiff for about eight inches, he was using the leg normally within six months, although it was necessary for him to have an eighth-of-an-inch lift in his shoe until recently. The healing took place over four years ago. Doctors who have had occasion to look at the leg since that time have said, "You've done what medicine says can't be done; you've grown new tissue." Recently, he was carefully examined by an insurance doctor, and pronounced completely fit. I am grateful not only for this healing, but for the protection he had during the time he was groping toward the light. Extreme fear, and the bitter opposition of family and friends to what seemed to them neglect, were also completely overcome. Our financial needs were beautifully met during the entire period.

During this time error seemed to attach itself to me, manifesting itself on my face and head in a manner that was alarming to those about me. For five days I neither ate nor slept, nor could I move, but I felt no fear, just a sense of weariness. Through the faithful and consecrated help of a dear friend and practitioner, and a nurse who stood guard, I realized on the sixth night the healing presence expressed in the words of our beloved hymn (Poems by Mrs. Eddy, p. 12):

"And o'er earth's troubled, angry sea
I see Christ walk,

And come to me, and tenderly,
Divinely talk."

I fell asleep, completely at peace, and awoke in the morning healed. Two days later, a neighbor who called commented on my radiant appearance.

It was not easy to stand, sometimes seemingly alone, during those months when error seemed slowly to be gaining ascendancy, but to anyone who is experiencing now what seems to be dealyed healing, I can truly say that one need only "stand fast in the faith," and "having done all, to stand," and the reward is sure.

With thousands of fellow students I can say that I rejoice in some progress, and consecrate myself to letting my light so shine that others may see my "good works" and glorify God.

I am glad to be here in an age during which Mrs. Eddy discovered pure Christianity, and so wisely protected her discovery and the Church founded upon it by means of the Manual of The Mother Church. I am especially grateful for the Hymnal and the periodicals, and for the privilege of being a member of The Mother Church and of a branch church.—(Mrs.) Ella Florence Bushnell, Hollywood, California.

I am happy to confirm my wife's testimony. I owe my life to Christian Science, and am deeply grateful for the good that has come to all of us through the application of it.

Burdge Ogden Bushnell

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