When I was a very little girl I was sickly

Pearl Fessenden

When I was a very little girl I was sickly. I would read the New Testament writings and wish that Jesus had not been crucified, for he would have then come over to this country and made me well! When I was twelve years old a minister declared to a friend that I had a spiritual nature. As I grew older this lady often asked me if I could understand the Bible healings, as the minister had believed. I did not understand, of course; but as the years went by, material remedies failed to heal me, and my faith in their healing efficacy was gone. The doctor told me that no more could be done for me, and that I could not expect to live through another cold winter. He said that I looked as though I were existing on faith.

In those days the words from the Bible, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent," kept coming to me, and like Mary of old I pondered them in my heart and they gave me much comfort and peace. So when I was invited to go with some neighbors one morning in September, 1918, to a Christian Science church service, I gladly accepted, and it seemed that I was ready for the wonderful healing I received. The subject was "God." I could not tell anything that took place at that service, but when it was over, I found that I was well.

I at once began the study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, and the Lesson-Sermons in the Christian Science Quarterly; and instead of being under a doctor's care almost constantly, I became healthy. I was lovingly taught how to apply the teachings in daily living, and I have had wonderful demonstrations from the first and all through the years, including many instantaneous healings, such as those of blood poisoning (septic infection) and an internal trouble caused by accidentally eating some glass. I was healed of the effects of smallpox in a very short time by reading a Christian Science lecture. A condition which would have meant a surgical operation under a doctor's care was healed; and although it took many weeks of studying and much mental work, I had no fear; I knew I would come through safely, because God is the only Physician.

I was grateful to learn that, as Mrs. Eddy tells us in Science and Health (p. 481), "Man is tributary to God, Spirit, and to nothing else," for I believed myself to be under family oppression and was very unhappy. Gradually I learned confidence, courage, and patience, and with the help of a practitioner I am enjoying more harmony in human relationships. I have experienced protection in times of great danger. At one time when lightning entered our home, literally tearing the inside to pieces, no one was hurt or shocked, though we were all in the midst of falling glass, plaster, and pieces of board from the woodwork. Once while I was preparing dinner some newspaper caught fire unexpectedly, the flames reaching to the ceiling, enveloping my head and left arm; but I stepped aside, unharmed. I was thinking of the Bible Lesson I had studied in the Quarterly just a short time before.

Through the study of the Church Manual I was healed of loneliness at the passing on of my mother, and felt no grief. Through Christian Science her wish of many years to understand the Bible was fulfilled, and while she was having treatment from a practitioner her hearing was restored to her at the age of eighty. She had had her head hurt in an accident thirty years before, and afterwards her hearing had been impaired.

I am very grateful to God for His wonderful goodness and loving care; to Christ Jesus and to Mrs. Eddy for their lifework; for the many activities of the Christian Science movement. I have always received much help from the lectures in working out various problems. I am also grateful for all the books and literature, and to the practitioners.

(Miss) Pearl Fessenden, Neillsville, Wisconsin.

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April 8, 1939

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