Christian Science was first brought to my notice through a friend who lived in Boston. Whenever he visited at my home, he talked about this religion and what it was doing in the line of healing, and in his letters to me he generally referred to it as a means of relief from my physical ills. I was then considered a chronic dyspeptic and a nervous crank, while fear of another physical ailment, which I never revealed to my physician or any one else, held its illusive power over me. I tried medicine, fresh air, diet, audible prayer, and will-power, but all to no purpose. I had been told when a boy that I would not live more than forty years at the most. I had attended an orthodox church since I was eight years old and had tried to live a clean life; therefore I could not understand why I should suffer so much.
About this time I moved to Toronto, Canada, where I went to some Christian Science meetings but declined to accept this teaching. Another physician did his best to relieve me, and when his medicine failed, advised me to try Christian Science. I again refused, and still suffered. My last call on this physician was over the telephone, and he told me he could do no more for me. Once more I was led to think of Christian Science, but for some time I went on lines of will-power. I then learned to my surprise and joy that one of my neighbors, who always had a smiling face, was a Christian Science practitioner. I said that if I could get rid of my sad countenance and have a happy one instead, I would try Christian Science to see what it would do for me. I accordingly appealed to this practitioner, and after a few treatments the healing was accomplished. I am grateful to my Boston friend, also to my physician, who had been exceedingly kind to me and who was broad-minded enough to tell me that he was glad I had received benefit from Christian Science.
For more than six years I have been living in another atmosphere, and I can truly say these have been the happiest years of my whole life. It has been necessary on many occasions to take a firm stand, and the truth that makes men free has never failed me. In visiting my native town, one of my friends, who had known me when to all appearances I was almost ready to pass on, expressed joy and gratitude at seeing me in such a changed physical condition, and expressed a desire to receive all the knowledge I could give her on the line of Christian Science. Like many others, I too am more grateful for the spiritual vision to which I have awakened than for anything else. I can fully express my gratitude in one way only; that is, by following in the footsteps of the great healer, Christ Jesus.— Toronto, Canada
