It was a desire for healing which led me into Christian Science,...

Lellice L. Douty

It was a desire for healing which led me into Christian Science, and I have certainly proved the truth of the statement that "man's extremity is God's opportunity." In a condition of semi-invalidism for eight years, I was treated by physicians for tuberculosis of the lungs, neurasthenia, a severe heart trouble caused by a complication of diseases, rheumatism, and stomach trouble. For an entire year I was confined to my bed; and during five months of this time my condition was so serious that I saw only the physicians and those who attended to my needs. Later on, when I was again confined to my bed for several months, the doctors advised me to go to a hospital. I did so, only to learn that it was thought best not to perform an operation; and later I returned to my home able to sit up only a part of the time.

After several months my condition grew still more serious and I went to a neighboring town to be treated by a specialist who had known of my case, having previously been called in consultation. I had been under his care only a short time, when I was again obliged to take to my bed. After several months more of treatment, the specialist informed me that he had exhausted all his resources. A short time after this, while talking with my mother, the doctor told her that he wished I would try Christian Science. When this was made known to me I was greatly displeased; for I felt that for a long period I had prayed and read my Bible diligently, and I could not see why God had failed to heal me, if it were His will that I should recover.

As soon as I was able to ride to the doctor's office, I did so; and I told him I had come for the purpose of deciding between Christian Science treatment and a return to the hospital. I asked him what he knew of Christian Science, and he stated that he had read some of the literature and witnessed some healings. I left the office with a determination to return to the hospital, and did, a short time later. My case was so complicated that it was decided to place me for one week under the observation of four physicians and surgeons. A short time later a specialist arrived from Montreal, made a careful examination of my condition, and talked to me as a father would talk to a child. He told me that neither surgery nor medicine would benefit me; that the hospital was no place for me; and later he told my uncle, who was in the waiting room, that he wished I would try Christian Science.

Deeply depressed and discouraged, I left the hospital that night feeling that my last ray of hope had faded. I debated with myself for several days, and then wrote to a Christian Science practitioner asking her to take my case. She responded that she would do so if I felt sure I was willing to give up all medicine and medical treatment. I agreed to do so, as I felt that I had failed to receive any relief.

Two weeks later I was under Christian Science treatment, and on the fourth day, while reading the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, I experienced such a wonderful revelation of God and my relation to Him that I was healed. I both walked and ate normally, for the truth had made me free. Words cannot express my gratitude to God and to our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.

Although I am deeply grateful for the physical healing, it is not to be compared with the joy which has come to me through the spiritual revelation of the allness of God as Life, Truth, and Love—as divine Principle, which can be applied to daily living.

(Mrs.) Lellice L. Douty, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit