About five years ago Science and Health came into my possession in this way. A lady of my acquaintance bought several money orders at my post-office and I learned she was being treated by a Christian Scientist. I knew nothing of Christian Science at the time, so one day I asked her what she thought of it. She said the ideal was too high for her. This strongly impressed me, since I had been a class leader for forty years and was earnestly seeking the highest Christian experience. She offered to lend me her Science and Health if I wished to investigate Christian Science, and thus I obtained the first sight of the wonderful book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."
I had been afflicted with lung trouble and catarrh of long standing, and was taking medicine all the time. I had it by my bed at night, and wore medicated flannel on my chest. After reading about seventy pages of Science and Health I gave up my flannel and medicine, and said to my wife the battle should henceforth be fought out between Spirit and matter. Since then I have never used any material remedies. I had an attack of pneumonia the summer I got the book, and my daughter became alarmed, so I telegraphed to Dallas for a practitioner, and that evening was treated by her. There were several preachers present when the lady came; they withdrew when they learned that she was a Christian Scientist. I have no doubt that my healing commenced at the first treatment.
When healed of pneumonia, I found myself cured of two other troubles, one of which was kidney complaint that had at times awakened a serious fear in my mind. With this healing came also a Christian understanding that enabled me to see something of the spiritual import of the Gospel of Love. Having so long been guided by the letter only, there were naturally doubts in my mind on many points of the Scriptures. These have been swept away or have been made plain to me through Christian Science.
