For the benefit of some poor mortal who may be hesitating between materia medica and Christian Science. I will give two experiences I had with the same disease, one under the care of physicians and the other under Christian Science, and note the difference in the two methods. Twelve years ago I was suddenly seized with a violent attack of inflammatory rheumatism in one of my knees, which confined me to my bed in one position for six weeks, and during the following six weeks my condition was scarcely improved. At the end of that time my leg was so crippled that it was practically useless, and for a long time I was on crutches. Then my physicians sent me to Avon Springs to take sulphur baths and drink the water —a remedy almost worse than the disease. There I remained three months and submitted to three severe operations under chloroform, and again used crutches. For one entire year I was a constant sufferer; but I at length regained the use of my knee and could walk without material aid. About seven years later I became interested in Christian Science, and after receiving class instruction, to my amazement, my old enemy suddenly appeared in the other knee. For one brief moment visions of my former experience passed before me, followed by the sweet thought, "No; that can never be repeated, for now I can go to God and He will heal me." I at once sought help from my teacher, and in four days I was completely restored to harmony.
This is only one of the countless blessings that have come to me through the understanding of divine Love, which does in very truth "cure all thy sorrow and sickness and sin" (Mrs. Eddy's Communion Hymn). Words are utterly inadequate to express the gratitude I feel to our Leader for showing us the way, and I am also deeply grateful for the help received through the Sunday Lessons, the Journal, and the Sentinel.— Chicago, III.
