I have felt for some time that I should send in my testimony,...

Maude Huntington Gaines

I have felt for some time that I should send in my testimony, as it was through the reading of the testimonies in the Journal and Sentinel that I became interested in Christian Science. The healings were very interesting to me, as at all times I lived in a state of fear for my children, watching for symptoms of diseases of all kinds.

While I was away from home my father was healed in Christian Science of a very bad case of concussion of the brain, after which his letters were all about Christian Science, until finally I threw them into the fire; but he continued to write and send me copies of the Sentinel. Finally I read the New Testament very throughly and made up my mind that Jesus meant that we also should do the works that he did. I became very desirous of seeing the textbook so often spoken of in the periodicals, but those around me were so astonished at this wish that I was afraid to say much about it. Then we moved into another house and there, to my surprise as well as to my joy, I found a copy of that blessed textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. This was one of the greatest joys of my life, yet little did I know how much it would mean to me in the future. As soon as we were settled, I read almost continuously, doing only those things about the house that had to be done.

I soon noticed a great change in myself; I became quiet and calm and happy. The birth of a son soon after this was most harmonious in every way; and added to this was the joy of being free from worry. Our son is now seventeen and rarely has been sick. My other children were born with Science help, and I am grateful to say that each time I have had a painless delivery. These children have never known anything but Science, and all attend the Christian Science Sunday School.

Measles, chicken pox, smallpox, and scarlet fever have been overcome through my own understanding of the truth, and once with the help of a practitioner. The eldest daughter's ankle was badly hurt while she was sitting in the back of a wagon with her legs hanging over the end gate. The wagon was backed into a big post, forcing one of her feet back against her leg. Some people thought that the leg was broken. We declared the truth and repeated "the scientific statement of being" as found on page 468 of Science and Health, knowing that there are no accidents in divine Mind. I gave her a Christian Science treatment and read to her from the Bible and the textbook. She slept that night. There was no more pain the rest of the time, and she was able to go back to school after three weeks, though a little limp was noticeable. This was a great disappointment to me at first, but I soon realized that my work was not finished, so I began again to help her, and soon saw her as God's image, pure and perfect, and felt a great sense of gratitude for the healing. I do not recall seeing her limp again. This was over thirteen years ago and the ankle has never given her any trouble since.

This same daughter was also healed of tonsillitis, which she had had once or twice a year. The last attack was a very severe case, and she became quite frightened. I worked almost constantly, as best I knew, realizing God's presence, the fact that nothing can hurt God's child, and that there is no discord where God is; and the child was soon relieved. I can gratefully say that she has never had another attack, and seldom has had even a sore throat.

After I started to study Christian Science it was five years before I could attend a church service, as we lived on a homestead on a reservation in the state of Washington. When I could attend, the services were great feasts to me. The peace, joy, and harmony in these meetings are heavenly. When a great sorrow came to me, followed by lack, sickness, and discord, I asked a consecrated practitioner for help, which was lovingly given, and my children and I were soon well cared for, healed, and lifted out of the troubles. I shall never cease to be grateful for those dear ones who, in love and sincerity, stood by me at that time.

I am grateful for all the church activities, for membership in The Mother Church and our local branch church; to God, to Christ Jesus, and to our beloved Leader. I am also grateful for our periodicals, the Sentinel in particular, for the articles for children and young people, and for the privilege of serving as a Sunday school teacher.—(Mrs.) Maude Huntington Gaines, Redlands, California.

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