Three years ago last January, worn, wasted, and despairing, I went for treatment to the reading rooms of First Church of Christ, Scientist, New York. The claim was hereditary consumption. I had been told by my physician that he could do nothing more for me, that I must leave New York—it was then my home—and never return, and if I did not, I would not live through March. This may seem rather a harsh statement to make to a sick woman, but the physician was doing what he thought best, for he knew I would not remain away for any length of time unless I saw the necessity of so doing. I was told that by living in Florida I might be patched up for a time. There had been consumption on both sides of my family, so I thought there was nothing for me to do but to face death with as much courage as I could in order to spare those around me needless suffering.
Before giving up entirely, however, I consulted other well-known physicians in New York, but received no encouragement. All united in saying I must go away. After this I sank daily until I was unable to make any effort to get away. While in this wretched state I was asked to try Christian Science treatment. I knew nothing whatever about it, but decided to try it as the only thing I had not tried.
After taking my first treatment I felt very much puzzled for I had been so accustomed to having material remedies that I could not see how this "doing nothing," as it seemed to me, could help me. I asked no questions, but merely wondered and waited for further developments. After the second treatment, on leaving the church, I felt as if everything had changed. I drew a long, deep breath, as if a great weight had been lifted from me. I felt so happy and light that I could hardly keep from running like a happy child. I knew without having been told that I had nothing more to fear; that I was a well woman. I have never had a day's illness since that first treatment, and it is needless for me to say that after my second treatment I was eager and glad to take up the study of the wonderful Truth as given us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," to try to live it and to teach my children that it is the pearl of great price.
