Before knowing anything about Christian Science I spent...

Josephine M. Tedford

Before knowing anything about Christian Science I spent most of my time doctoring and trying all kinds of material remedies. I hardly knew a well day. Ever since childhood I had been considered sickly and nervous, and always had trouble with my stomach; also bowel trouble, for which I received only temporary help. At times, as I grew into womanhood, complications set in and continually grew worse. I was never without medicine of some kind.

When away from home I attended the churches of different religious denominations, especially where there were revival meetings, with the hope of getting comfort and peace of mind. In the meantime I underwent a serious surgical operation for obstruction of the bowels that left me in such a weakened state I was worse off than ever, and was kept on as strict a diet as before the operation. The ability to sleep left me, too; and while everyone else was sleeping, I used to pore over the Scriptures, as I was so hungry for spiritual food. This went on for several months, until a new physician came to town. I hastened to see if he could help me. He refused to give me any medicine, saying I had already taken too much, but recommended change of surroundings and possibly change of climate; he told me I was morbid and should try to think of cheerful things. I begged my mother and let me go to Colorado. We were then living in the Northwest. She finally consented to let me go.

All this time I seldom complained, but was full of bitterness and felt indifferent toward everyone, wanting only to be alone. I had not been in Colorado long before I learned there were just as many sick people there as elsewhere; and climate, pure mountain water, mineral water, salt baths, vapor baths, and everything else I tried failed to help me. I finally turned to chiropractic treatments. I gave them a fair trial, having treatment every day for more than three months. Finally I was taken very ill, and again sent for a medical doctor; having four of them altogether. No one knows the torture I went through, and the mental unrest. I did not want to live, and was afraid to die.

It was right here, after being in bed six weeks, that Christian Science came into my life. I had never heard of it before. I was instantaneously healed in one treatment of the stomach trouble, so that I got out of bed and ate the best meal I had eaten in years with no ill effect; and I have had no fear of food since. It was such a relief I could scarcely believe it to be true, but thought I must be dreaming. But thank God it is true. From that time on, some seventeen years, I have depended entirely on Christian Science for the solution of every problem that has presented itself. We have had many beautiful healings in our family. My husband has been healed of smallpox, fallen arches, influenza, and many other discords, and I have been healed of influenza, smallpox, soft corns, toothache. My eyes have also been healed after wearing glasses for thirteen years. I found out after studying Christian Science that I had to be willing to part with many ugly traits of thought if I wanted to be healed. I had to overcome indifference, and try to love my neighbor more and see him as God made him. I am so thankful for the spiritual uplift I have received from the understanding gained from the Bible with the light Christian Science throws on it; so grateful to Mary Baker Eddy for her unselfish service to mankind, and for the rich legacy she has left us in her writings, which are available to all mankind for all time.

I shall never forget the first time I attended a Wednesday evening testimony meeting in a Christian Science church; the sweet peace and comfort that there prevailed made a lasting impression on me. I had found what I was looking for. The services mean so much to me, especially the Wednesday evening testimony meetings. I am grateful for the privilege of membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, for class instruction from a loyal teacher, and for the privilege of taking part in the activities of the church.

I have witnessed many healings during these years, some of the conditions being considered very serious from a human standpoint; but the truth as taught in Christian Science can and does heal whenever faithfully applied, as hundreds of thousands can testify all over the world.

I remember with loving gratitude the first Christian Science practitioner I had and her untiring work in helping me and guiding my first feeble footsteps; and I am grateful to the other practitioners I have since had, for their unfailing and loving help when from time to time I have needed help.

I cannot close without expressing gratitude for the faithful and loyal workers in the Publishing House, who write for and send us our periodicals. To me it is a privilege to subscribe for these periodicals and then to send them forth as missionaries in our distribution work. I am grateful also for our lecturers and for their work in spreading the gospel of good will throughout the world.

My one desire is to gain more understanding of this beautiful teaching and to help others as I have been helped. May this testimony aid others who are despondent and discouraged to regain hope after other efforts have failed; for I know that the divine Principle which healed me can heal them.

(Mrs.) Josephine M. Tedford, Flint, Michigan.

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