Testimony of Healing January 21, 1950 Issue

About forty-six years ago divine...

Jennie Davis Settles

About forty-six years ago divine Love, through Christian Science, healed me after doctors had declared that I could live but a short time and was liable to die suddenly at any time from the effect of an incurable heart disease. This same condition was said to have caused the passing on of my father some years before, and I was supposed to have inherited the condition. I feel sure that the physician who last attended me was a truthful man and fully believed what he told me of my condition, but neither he nor I knew at that time that God and His Christ are "the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebr. 13:8), and that He heals the sick today as in Jesus' time. This doctor assured me that there was nothing known to materia medica that could heal me, but I felt that "with God all things are possible."

Everything looked dark before me, and I was much concerned about my two daughters, who had not yet finished school and who seemed very dependent upon me. With all my heart I asked God to show me the next steps to take and, if it were possible, to let me stay with my children until they were able to make their own way in the world. The Father answered my prayer. A neighbor who was almost a stranger to me came in. She was the only Christian Scientist in the vicinity. Having heard that I was sick, she brought several books by Mrs. Eddy and laid them on the table by my bed, saying, "If you will read these books, I know they will help you." I thanked her, and she went away. I knew the books were Christian Science books, and was afraid to touch them, for some physicians and some of the churches had been saying that Christian Science was of the devil.

The books lay on the table for several days, and a battle raged in my consciousness. I wanted to do God's will, and I prayed, "Dear Lord, show me whether it is good or evil that is in these books, and if it is evil, I will not read a single word." Almost immediately a quiet voice seemed to say very distinctly, "Don't be afraid to read those books." Instantly all fear left me, and I picked up one of the books, "Miscellaneous Writings," and began to read. I do not know how long I read, and I remember only one outstanding idea, that angels are God's thoughts.

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