The possibilities of Christian Science, as a curative means, were presented to me after a life-time's suffering with stomach trouble and accompanying organic ailments. From my earliest days I was subject to a severe gastric affection, which became more virulent and recurrent as I advanced in years. Finally, about ten years ago, the intervals between the intermittent visitations ceased and the malady became constant. During the ensuing years I was treated by a number of eminent physicians, without obvious physical benefit. Then, in desperation, I turned to several leading medical authorities, but the treatment furnished by these specialists proved of no more avail than that supplied by their less known professional associates; for, as month succeeded month, my predicament became more accentuated, and to my view more firmly intrenched. At this time I was reduced to the plainest fare conceivable, elimination having long held sway over my diet, and I was advised further to refrain from any of the few remaining food items as they proved repugnant to my digestive organs.
While thus situated I was advised to try Christian Science, and I secured the services of a practitioner of this city. From the first treatment I was helped, — each affected organ began to perform its allotted function, — and as the treatment progressed, the emaciation, debility, and skin discoloration were displaced by the characteristics of health. In addition to the foregoing, I was instantly and permanently cured of chronic constipation, chronic blood-poisoning, which had manifested carbuncles semi-annually for many years, and the tobacco habit of twenty-five years' standing. I speak with due experience when I claim permanence for this healing, as the relief is now of sixteen months' duration, since which time the old troubles have not been in evidence, neither has the desire to use tobacco re-asserted itself.
In retrospective moments I frequently compare the old methods with the new, and as the physical is arrayed against the metaphysical the results in each case indicate their value. In my experience the metaphysical diagnosis and treatment gave me physical health and mental dominion without delay, thereby proving the correctness of the practitioner's deduction and the infallibility of the Principle involved; in contradistinction to the ways of materia medica, which never understood or relieved my illness. On many occasions during the years of my sickness I found the charge for medical services and remedies severely oppressive; yet as an offset Christian Science gave me man's full heritage for a comparatively modest sum. This, I hardly need say, is not my basis of valuation for the benefits furnished.
