I suffered, among numerous other severe troubles, such as indigestion, rheumatism, catarrh, etc., with chalky deposits in my shoulder joints so that they were perfectly stiff, and all other joints in my arms and hands were nearly so; also atrophy of the muscles of the arms and shoulders, accompanied with insomnia. I suffered excruciating pain most of the time. The most of these claims I brought with me from the army in 1865. Many doctors (good men) had done all they could to relieve me, but all in vain, some of them giving me temporary relief, while others said they could do nothing for me. Many prayers were offered, but I never realized any physical relief from that source. I had been a member of the M. E. Church for over thirty-one years, had tried to live the life of a Christian as taught in the church, and had some bright experiences, or demonstrations, of power over sin, but for many years was not in full harmony with the teachings of the church, because, as I thought, it was not practical enough. I wanted more in this present life than the church believed possible. I wanted to be healed, and wondered why I could not be, when the Bible had so much to say about it. I was told that it was not for this age. I read the Bible a great deal, but received no practical results in regard to healing.
There was left nothing for me to do, as I thought, but to surrender to the last supposed enemy, and began the best I could to arrange my business for the end, which I thought would come soon, and that my friends looked for any time. I was willing to depart rather than suffer, but was desirous to live, if I could get well, and support my delicate wife and four children, for I was a burden to them, as I was almost as helpless as a child, waiting for the end that would, as I then thought, bring relief.
In June, 1896, a gentleman called my attention to Christian Science, and assured me that I need not suffer, that I could get well right at home, and directed me to a Scientist. I went at once, to learn what it was, and was told that it was the Christ cure, as practised and taught by Jesus, but I must give up medicine if I took treatment. I was not willing, but about two weeks more of suffering and growing worse made me willing to try it as an experiment.
