My attention was first drawn to Christian Science just...

Samuel Shearer

My attention was first drawn to Christian Science just after I had resigned my position as an elder of the United Free Church. On hearing about the Christian Scientists' affirmation that God is Love and God is All, I became interested and attended a few of their meetings. At this time I was particularly busy in political circles, but felt that if I had the time Christian Science would be worth studying. I then had no need of physical healing.

In the spring of 1919, however, I was compelled to remain in bed because of very severe pain in my ankle. Our doctor was sent for, and for four weeks he treated me for rheumatism. At the end of that time my ankle was in such a condition that the doctor gave me the name of a surgeon who had successfully operated on him. Before going to the hospital I asked for treatment from a Christian Science practitioner; but I was impatient, and because I was not healed after the first treatment, came to the conclusion that my knowledge of the subject was not sufficient to meet the case.

Thinking that the surgeon would simply make an incision and let me go home, I went to the hospital quite optimistic. My experience, however, was very different. A slight operation revealed the fact that the trouble was deeper than expected; and when on the operating table I heard the surgeon diagnosing my case as a tubercular ankle, I lost consciousness in the frame of mind that perhaps it might be the lesser of two evils if I never awoke. After that I was a well-known figure on the operating table. Medical students were lectured about my ankle so well and so often that I thought that any day the surgeon did not appear I could quite easily take his place as lecturer! My first term in the hospital was twenty-two weeks; and after that period I was allowed to go out with crutches, my leg in plaster of Paris. At intervals I was out and in. The total time I spent in the hospital was ten months. On one occasion when there I contracted scarlet fever and was hurried to a fever hospital. I sank very rapidly at this time, the doctors declaring that the trouble had been transferred to my throat. For seventeen days I had no sleep, and milk and the white of an egg were all they could get down my throat.

I am reminded at this stage of the statement that "man's extremity is God's opportunity." My wife in desperation, hearing the reports and not being allowed to visit me, called on a Christian Science practitioner. He willingly and lovingly gave absent treatment; and it was then that I got my first sleep. The next report given to my wife was that there was a marked improvement, and some hope of my recovery. I steadily gained strength, and, to the surprise of all, I got out of the fever hospital. I went back a little after this; but after a talk with the practitioner I saw, as he stated, that the medical profession could do nothing for me. In fact, the last instructions I got from the professor, when calling to get my ankle X-rayed, was on no account to put that foot on the ground. That was my last visit. I decided to burn my boats, rely entirely on Christian Science, and cut myself clear of the medical profession.

Gradually I was able to leave the bath chair, and then the crutches were put aside and two strong staffs substituted. I found later that one staff was sufficient; and now I go about without any material aid. Not only is this the case, but I have since been able to delve the garden with the foot which the distinguished surgeon warned me against putting on the ground. After such an experience one can readily understand that words seem quite inadequate to express my gratitude. Since that time I have had problems to meet, but the problems of the household are always met by Christian Science treatment. The knife and the drug are quite discarded.

I have four daughters attending the Christian Science Sunday School, and my wife and I both feel that it was a glad day when we heard of Christian Science, which we know can be applied at all times and in all circumstances.

Samuel Shearer, Yoker, Dumbartonshire, Scotland.

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