The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-19
FAITH DID NOT CURE HER.
DIED OF CONSUMPTION ALTHOUGH
CHRISTIAN STEN7ISE

Miss Abilene Louise valiant, when Given
Up By Physicians. Tried the Faith Cure
She Was Not visited Professionally by n
Physician for Eighteen Months Before
Her Denth-Coroner Weston Made Out
the Death Certificate.
Abilene Louise Valiant. elsscst daughter q
George II. valiant, Second Vice President OF
the Erie Railway. died suddenly OF consump.
ton at her home at SO West Seventy third
street on Tuesday afternoon. at the age Of %.
AS she had not been attended by physician
for more than eighteen months her case was
one for investigation by the Coroner. In spite
OF the cause Of death being manifest The in.
auiry made by Deputy Coroner Weston dscov-
cred that the reason she had not had medical
attendance for the period named was because
she became a convert to Christian science in
November. 1890 This was after she had been
given up by DR.. st. Clair Smith of = West Thir-
ty-eighth street. the elder DR.. LOOMS. and
other well.known physicians
The diseSne developed at an early nge. and
neither medical treatment nor repeated visits
to the Adirondacks did more than retard its
progress. Miss valiant had, however, pur-
chased n new set of furs and made other prep
arations for spending the winter in the Adj
rondack region. when friend who believed In
Christian science persuaded her. as her case
had been pronounced hopeless by DOCTORS to
try what faith would do for her. Miss valiant
thereupon Joined a class and underwent in
structions In the New York City Christian
Science Institute at 98 Fifth avenue. which
was Incorporated last July
Tho principal OF the institute Is the Rev. Mrs
Augusta L Stetson. She apparently has not
much OF q cure record, but Charles Norton tho
vice principa claims to have cured himself
OF CONSUMPTION and 500 other people Of all
sorts of complaints. including running can.
GERS. The circular issued by the institute in
cludes casting out devils and raising the dead
among the cures Of Christian science.
When Miss valiant entered tho institute
ton. the, wonder worker, that ali she had to do
with faith and to think herself cured.
Think yourself well and you are WE'LL"
In fortnight's time he declared that she
She accordingly attended the Christian science
all her family to accompany her except her
father. When she spoke Of her eeHperience to
life's problem. she said.
Miss valiant certainly was the better for her
months the disease apparently made no prog.
ress There was no need to invoke the aid OF
doctors who had given her w and whom she
enlist. A few months ago however although
dent that her seeming cure was but temporary
She grew emaciated anu acquired tho unmis-
taxable consumptive look.
Her mother losing her faith, i'm plored her to
WHY: mother, she replied. III you called
In doctor 1t would be making God second
This was her s only reply to her mothers
her the subject was dropped
On Tuesday afternoon, while sitting on a
sofa engaged in conversation with her mother.
out warning expired. Dr. st. Clair smith. tho |
whom she had given up after he had |
ee bs naa to maxi put
since Oct. 81. 1890, he could not say he had
seen her, professionally within forty-eight
tiflcnte. DR.. Weston did 50. giving consump-
ton rs the cause Of death. In speaking Of tho
Eff the Christian science treatment did no
from it: f.Serythins had been done for her
AS hopeless case by eminent physicians OF
this 4 city when shs PURSUED her whims. Her
to hor comfort and peace of mind. At the
efficacy, Of Christian science as a means OF
:, Funeral services were held Yesterday at 2
7. NJ; in the drawing room of Mr.. Vuillant's
street. The services were of a mixed char
,cter. TING Eev Robert C,ollyer and the kev.
MIR, Collyer had read passages from the Bible
and prayed. Mrs. Stetson followed with selec-
ions from the Scriptures and with a prayer
:. Hutchins Of the Standard Oil Company and
! few other friends were present at the OBJ
'cuuieS.
The coffin was then tax en- to a train for the
Vest and the entire remaining valiant fam:
". consisting Of father. mother. two sons. and
he surviving daughter. set out for Cleveland.
where Miss Valiant was born.