Like many others I came to Christian Science for the healing, at a time when I was a physical wreck, sick and weary of materia medica, which I had been trying for many years. Eleven years ago I was suffering from bronchial consumption, a trouble which I had from childhood and which was constantly growing worse. I had been treated for years by different physicians for this ailment, but they gave me only temporary relief. During the last two winters of my illness I lost my voice so that I could neither sing nor speak aloud. When I was able to go out of doors at all, it was always in the warmest part of the day and with a warm covering around my head and face to protect me from a direct breath of fresh air. Along with this I had liver, kidney, and other troubles, also an eye affection that caused me much suffering. I received the best treatment known to the medical profession at that time, and surgery was resorted to, but all to no avail. Medical treatment and operations all failed to give relief, the suffering only increased with the years.
The bronchial difficulty was causing me so much suffering that it seemed to myself and friends I could not live long. After every known external application and treatment had failed, my physician told me that if I could take vocal lessons and endure the practice, it might help me; that was all he could recommend. I then went to a vocal teacher in Waterville, Me., where I was living at that time, and made known my needs. Lovingly, but with a hopeless expression, she replied, "You can try." At first I could practise but five minutes at a time, on account of the suffering, and after a few visits she asked me why I did not try Christian Science. I had never heard of it before and told her so. She said she had a pupil who had been healed of consumption while on her death-bed, by Christian Science, and I agreed to go and see her. We had a pleasant interview with the one who had been healed; I decided to take treatment, and in a few weeks all my troubles vanished.
A few months later I learned that Christian Science as taught by Mrs. Eddy was different from what had been given me. I purchased Science and Health, also "Miscellaneous Writings" and smaller books by Mrs. Eddy, read them, attended church, and called myself a Christian Scientist. I went on this way about three years; then my ills came back and at times seemed worse than ever before. I asked for treatment from a loyal student of Christian Science, and most lovingly and tenderly she worked for me and showed me the difference between genuine Christian Science and that which had been given me under the name of Christian Science. I know now that there is no real healing except by the power of God, and can truly say that I am rejoicing in perfect health. I am free from all suffering and all the diseases I have mentioned have been entirely healed through the understanding of Christian Science. While for many years I could do nothing but lie in lied or sit with folded hands, I now do all kinds of the hardest work, being on my feet some days from early morning until late at night. I have not used medicine of any kind for eleven years. If there is a need in the home, we have the Great Physician always with us, and the pearl of great price, our text-book, Science and Health.
