It is with much joy and gratitude that I here trace the...

Louise Browne with contributions from Jessee T. Browne

It is with much joy and gratitude that I here trace the footsteps that have led me to a more consecrated study of Christian Science. I am the youngest of a large family, and at an early age I became afflicted with what was afterwards diagnosed as infantile paralysis. My entire right side was affected, so that I could not talk, walk, swallow, or sleep. The physicians worked very earnestly to effect a cure, but they were unable even to relieve the pain. Finally they gave up the case, and told my parents that if I lived, I should be a hopeless cripple for the remainder of my life.

In this hour of despair, a friend, who was a Christian Science practitioner, heard of the case, and came to see my mother. After talking with her a few minutes, she asked to see me. She entered the room and, without a word, lifted me from the lap of my sister, and began to talk softly to us about God. I relaxed completely in her arms, and when she laid me down I went to sleep for the first time in weeks.

This instantaneous healing of pain was proof enough to my mother. She then turned wholeheartedly to Christian Science for the completion of the healing. The result was that as the truths taught in Christian Science permeated the thoughts of the adult members of the family, my condition improved, and a shortened limb was elongated.

This healing was indeed a wonderful thing to all who witnessed it, and I am grateful for it; but I am most grateful because this healing was the avenue through which my mother took her stand for Christian Science.

From early childhood I can remember the neighbors questioning me as to why I was always so healthy. One of the truths which I knew in those days was that matter has no sensation, and I believed this fact. It was law to me, and it always worked. Regular attendance at a Christian Science Sunday School became a joy and privilege; but day school was not so joyous to me, and it was not until I entered high school that I realized that Christian Science enables us to do better, and with more joy, the things we need to do. When I realized this, my schoolwork became an easier and pleasanter experience. Whereas I had before barely made the required grades, now I was able to take my place on the honor roll throughout the rest of my school experience.

Later, when I entered the business world I began to listen to material arguments and to believe them; to seek pleasure through matter instead of Spirit; and to think, talk, and act materially. The results were ill-health, unhappiness, sorrow, and lack. At this point I turned to Christian Science for help, but these conditions had brought about a resentment which so nearly resembled hatred that I found it difficult to apply what I knew so well to be the truth. Things seemed to go from bad to worse. I submitted to a minor operation, which I believed was necessary in order to regain my health, and this only added to my distress. Finally, I became ready to do everything that I could to regain what I seemed to have lost, even though this might take a long time for its accomplishment.

Once again the searchlight of Truth was turned on what appeared to be deplorable condition. My sincerity was many times tested, but I soon realized that good cannot be lost, and that God, who had delivered me from my first affliction and protected me through childhood, still stood ready to heal a seemingly broken heart and spirit.

During the years of this trying experience I learned many wonderful lessons. I was forced to give up, one by one, all material stays. Many unlovely traits of character were replaced by lovelier ones. Church, the Bible, the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy—all began to mean more and more to me. Forgiveness took the place of resentment, and a desire for spiritual things took precedence over all else. I saw that obedience is an essential quality in the life of a Christian Scientist; that I must study and put into practice what I learned from this study; that I must follow to the best of my ability our Leader's demonstration; that I must be grateful for what had already been done in Christian Science, and be willing to do all I could for the generations to come. This, as I now understand it, is my duty as a Christian Scientist, and the only real evidence of the love and gratitude I feel for all it has done for me.

I am indeed grateful for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church, and for class instruction.

(Miss) Louise Browne, Fort Worth, Texas.

It is a precious privilege to verify the testimony given above by my daughter. The first healing referred to was complete, and had none of the aftereffects which usually follow such cases.

I, too, am grateful for the many blessings which have come into our home through this healing. I was completely healed in one treatment of gallstones, after suffering for many years.

With the advent of Christian Science into our home, life took on a new meaning, with nobler desires and purposes.

(Mrs.) Jessee T. Browne

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