Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 December 1897 — PRAYER FAILS TO HEAL. [ARTICLE]

PRAYER FAILS TO HEAL.

Miss Helen Ash Dies Despite Christian Science Theories. Several days ago Miss Helen Ash, the daughter of Mrs. I. N. Ash, living at 221 East Forty : seventh street, Chicago, was taken seriously ill. Mrs. Ash, who is a member of the Kenwood Club, and a firm believer in Christian Science, decided that she would treat the illness of her daughter without the aid of a physician. Miss Ash was also a Christian Scientist, and agreed with her mother in regard to the treatment of her ailments. They decided to resort only to prayer as a curative of the disease. For a short time the fervent prayers seemed to be answered, and the girl gained in strength. But the ailment took a firmer hold on its victim, and she grew gradually weaker. The mother lengthened the seasons of worship and daughter became more earnest in her prayers for health. But in spite of the rigid manner in which the Christian Science doctrine was carried out the daughter grew gradually worse until Tuesday evening, when she died.