In 1885 a young woman received aid from a Boston church of which she was a member, which enabled her to take treatment at a well-known sanitarium in the State of New York; but as she in no way benefited by it, her pastor, who had become interested in Christian Science, desired her return to Boston, that she might try Christian Science treatment. Her case was considered most serious by the physicians at the sanitarium, and they even doubted if she could survive the journey. She was taken from the train in a helpless condition, and a Christian Science practitioner was called. She was healed almost immediately, and at once took class instruction from Mrs. Eddy. This work had been watched with great interest by her pastor, and wishing to test Christian Science still further, he advised her going to a small place in western Massachusetts as a practitioner.
After the birth of my second child, I was for years in a semi-invalid state much of the time, —in the hands of physicians, and following their advice in every possible way as to medical attention, change of scene, climate, etc. Among these physicians—for they were many—was a medical expert from New York, who gave my case careful attention and examination, and agreed with our family physician that I must at once have a surgical operation. With great anxiety and expense that advice was followed, but not the slightest improvement came. After my return home our physician found the work had been done most carelessly. He then advised that the operation be repeated by a surgeon of his choosing, and it was decided that this time I should remain in my home. A nurse well known to our physician and the surgeon was secured, and in full confidence that I should now be made free and of use to my family, I submitted to the second operation. Eight weeks I was kept: on my bed, fed and cared for like a child, again to face the same disappointment.
Just at this time a sister living twenty-five miles away, at whose home the young Christian Science practitioner above referred to was stopping, wrote me to come to her and see what could be done for me. She added what seemed to me this rather meaningless request: "Telegraph what train you will come on, and treatment for strength to bear the journey will be given you." I followed her instruction, and to my astonishment strength was given me and the journey was easily taken. At once the work was begun, and I well remember hours of discouragement during the first week, especially when it seemed necessary that the practitioner should return to Boston for a few days. I feared that I could not be without her present help; but her return found me still better, and at the end of ten days I walked half a mile. In about a month I returned to my home, and at once took tip the work of mother and housekeeper.
