Looking back over the years of suffering and distress due...

M. Henrietta Smith

Looking back over the years of suffering and distress due to physical ills, I rejoice in having been freed from bondage through a knowledge of God's goodness. I was always considered a frail child, and womanhood brought most of the ills that flesh is heir to. From my earliest recollection I had throat and lung trouble, and when tired would lose my voice. Severe attacks of acute stomach disorder developed into chronic trouble, and for years I lived in constant dread. I also had curvature of the spine, and headaches so bad that for days at a time I could not raise my head from the pillow. For four years I could not read, and for twelve years glasses were worn, but eye specialists all agreed that they could afford me no relief, as the trouble was due to the spinal condition.

An internal growth developed, and I underwent an operation for its removal; but the growth came again. For five years I had heart trouble and labored under the law that I must not be left alone at any time. For twenty-five years hay fever and asthma in its worst form beset me; indeed, like the woman of old, I "suffered many things of many physicians," finally collapsing entirely, and for a year sleeping only about two hours out of the twenty-four. I was then told nothing more could be done for me, as I could not rally from another operation.

Many of my relatives were ministers, and I had been brought up in a home where only the highest ideals were taught and where daily family prayer was the rule, but I was not healed. Just then a copy of Science and Health came to me, and little dreaming that it contained the key to the healing truth which Jesus taught and practised, I tried to read the book, but could not seem to comprehend the import of the words. Finally I laid it aside for a time, and devoted my study wholly to the Bible. Knowing my point of view was wrong, I prayed for light, and at last my prayers were answered. Gradually the healing of all the above named ills was accomplished, and with the healing came a most profound awe at what had been revealed to Mrs. Eddy, and how she had pressed on to give it to mankind.

It is now ten years since I first began to study Christian Science, and I have had the great privilege of class instruction. My healing has been permanent, and Christian Science is the only remedy in our home. Four years ago a cannon cracker exploded in my son's hand, lacerating every finger and filling the palm with powder. The arm was numb to the shoulder and he was faint and ill when he was laid on the grass at my feet. Kneeling beside him there, I realized only the light of Truth, in which there is no darkness at all. The effect of the shock passed away, and he was carried into the house. After the hand was bathed he went to sleep, to waken free from pain and numbness. In less than a week all evidence of the accident had disappeared. A similar case that proved fatal under medical treatment came to our attention at the time, but I knew that God is a shield and buckler to those who trust Him.

A few years ago, while on my way to take a car down town, I fell, injuring one knee severely. It pained me greatly, but I managed to go in town and do my errand. I held fast to the truth as taught in Science and Health, and in a few days the pain had left me; not for one day even was I unable to go about my duties. There is no better way to express our gratitude than in carrying this healing truth to others, and my prayer is that I may always be found following in the footsteps of the Master.

M. Henrietta Smith, West Somerville, Mass.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

About nine years ago I was completely healed of rheumatism...

February 3, 1917

Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit