When I was fifteen years of age I was thrown by a fractious...

Clara M. Van Leer

When I was fifteen years of age I was thrown by a fractious horse during an electric storm, and injured internally; and from that time until the year 1907, I was considered a semi-invalid. During the interim every available remedy was tried, the best physicians were consulted, and I was kept under constant medical attention; but still suffered untold agony. Then peritonitis set in. I was sent to a hospital, and underwent a serious operation; but on returning home I found conditions no better. The suffering was so intense that a counterirritant was formed by keeping my back blistered and sore. Physicians told me I could never be cured of the malignant growth; and in this unhappy state I worried night and day, a condition which resulted in abscesses of the brain and ear. I was again rushed to a hospital, where an operation was performed on the head and ear, which produced deafness and blood poisoning. Death was pronounced inevitable. This physical and mental state, which seemed to me to be the sum total of all misery, proved to be the occasion where I learned that "man's extremity is God's opportunity."

In order that I might pay the continuing expense of medical treatment, I was compelled to rent part of my house to a small family. After they had occupied the apartment four months, I learned they were Christian Scientists; and when every hope had seemingly fled, they lovingly and patiently brought to my darkened consciousness Christian Science, the Comforter. I was healed instantaneously of the blood poisoning. The malignant and organic conditions yielded to the touch of Truth in the same measure that I beheld and lived the truth. Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, . . . ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 2): "God is Love. Can we ask Him to be more? God is intelligence. Can we inform the infinite Mind of anything He does not already comprehend? Do we expect to change perfection? Shall we plead for more at the open fount, which is pouring forth more than we accept?" After reading these words I laid the book aside, turned the searchlight of this great truth into my consciousness, was convicted by my own conscience, and "went out"—out from the consciousness of hate, malice, resentment, criticism, judging, and the legions of evil thoughts, and moment by moment replaced them with loving, pure, merciful, gentle, and prayerful thoughts. How long and how much I relinquished I know not. I did my best and did not complain at the task, but joyfully and meekly adopted the Word and will of God. One beautiful, glorious day—somewhat less than a year after turning to Science, so far as time goes—I was healed, free as a child. This healing occurred in 1908, and has been permanent.

In 1918, I was privileged to prove Christian Science to be the most skillful surgeon. I was thrown violently forward from an open trolley-car, and caught the heel of my left foot between the running board and the body of the car. The heel bone was broken, the ankle joint dislocated, and the instep slivered in three places. This condition has been healed by absolute reliance on Christian Science. Neither bandage nor cast was used; and I now have perfect use of the foot in walking. While purchasing shoes, several weeks after the accident, I was told by a foot specialist engaged by the shoe firm that my left foot was flat, that the arch had been destroyed, and that I would be compelled to wear a support. I replied that I would take the shoes, and if I felt the need of a support I would call again. Upon my arrival home I made an examination of the foot and found the condition as stated,—that is, one foot highly arched, the injured foot decidedly flat. I searched my consciousness and found my "countenance" had fallen. I had allowed circumstances and conditions to rob me of my joy. Taking the Concordances of all our Leader's works, together with the definition of the word "oil" as given in the Glossary of Science and Health (p. 592), I endeavored to live the truth contained therein. In five weeks the arch was lifted and the left foot as perfect as the right one.

I am happy to give a reason for the hope that is within me, for "I know that my redeemer liveth;" and I am each day endeavoring to prove my gratitude to God by better service, serving Him day and night. I am grateful for the knowledge I have of His Christ; and am endeavoring to prove my loyalty to this great Cause and to its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy, in living the sixth Tenet of Christian Science (Science and Health, p. 497): "And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure."—(Mrs.) Clara M. Van Leer, Philadelphia, Pa.

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