From The Christian Science Journal, Vol. 28, No. 4, July, 1910
Over three years ago, when surgery and medicine held no further possible help or hope, and the "end" was said to be very near, I sought healing in Christian Science. I had been an invalid for twenty-three years. I can recall no day in all that weary time in which I had not had recourse to medicine; no conscious moment entirely free from pain. The Christian Science practitioner, whom I shall ever hold in grateful, loving remembrance, patiently listened while I told of a life, half of which had been filled to the utmost with sickness and pain, assured me of God's goodness, of man's exemption from sickness and sin, and declared that I should not die, but live. It seemed like mockery, but I slept all night for the first time in more than twenty years, and the next morning startled my wife with the exclamation, "Why, I have no pain!"
Among the physical discords which disappeared quickly, I knew not when, were nervousness and stomach trouble, the former being extreme. I sought Christian Science for healing alone; indeed, I did not expect even that, but divine Love has sent such showers of blessings upon me that I am almost overwhelmed in contemplation of them, and in humility and gratitude. I wonder if there lives another man on earth for whom so much has been done. I was a slave to the tobacco habit, — smoked almost incessantly, — used profane language almost unconsciously, and occasionally, when nervousness seemed about to overpower me, indulged in strong drink: this was infrequent and not prolonged, for shame bade that I desist, no matter what the cost might be. And now — now I have not touched medicine or liquor, nor made use of tobacco or profanity for three years, and I know I never shall again. All desire for these things is gone and they have become repugnant to me.
I did not attempt, even ignorantly, to worship God. He was to me indeed "the unknown God," a God of vengeance, of anger, who hid His face, and afflicted always. I did not deny, but love Him I could not. Not for many years had I read the Bible or attended church service. I was without happiness in this world, nor had I any hope for the next. Then, all this was changed, — "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," — and I, whose companions had been discord and despair, began to "hunger and thirst after righteousness;" began to know a little of that "peace of God, which passeth all understanding;" and gladly, gratefully do I acknowledge my indebtedness to Christian Science for all this and the more that is yet to come. Among the many things for which I am grateful is that my wife quickly perceived and accepted the truth.
My testimony would not have the benison of Love were I to omit an expression of love and gratitude to the one whom another, who also loveth much, has most happily given the name "Mother in Israel." God has greatly blessed her, and so has blessed all the earth. To the uttermost parts of the earth she is known and loved for the truth which God has revealed through her.
G. N. MacDougall, Norfolk, Va.
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