In giving this testimony I am impelled by gratitude to Mrs. Eddy, through whom release became possible from what is generally considered an incurable disease. I have resided continuously in Salem, Oregon, since I was ten years of age. The fear of hereditary lung trouble was my constant companion from earliest childhood's recollections. I expected, and was expected by friends and relatives, to develop that malady, as my father had died of pulmonary disease when I was eleven months old, and one of his brothers and a sister died with this dread disease. My mother also contracted it, and died during my childhood, so when my sister a few years later succumbed to the same trouble, I had no expectation of escape, my only hope being that I might by good care and through the help of my physician postpone its development in my system for the sake of my little family. I had employed from girlhood one of the best and most respected physicians in our State, and having confidence in his advice, I had at that time asked him as to the probability of my developing this disease immediately or any future time. He stated that I would probably succumb to it, but that by good care I might hope to ward it off many years. His work for me was faithful and his kindness a great stay in my fear and trouble, for my health was constantly growing worse, colds and coughs becoming continual and severe.
Finally the dreaded symptoms made their appearance and made my days and nights miserable. Then the physician, fearing he had a well-defined' case to treat, expressed some of his fears to my husband and advised him to take me to a warmer climate. Having two little children, I desired to help care for them and see them grow up, so we spent the greater part of our means in trying to find relief for me. Much of the time I was so weak, discouraged, and ill that I desired only to remain on a lounge or in bed. In more hopeful moments I would undertake to go out with my_ children (hopefulness alternating with despondency having been strong characteristics of my condition), and I would upon my return lie down and weep bitterly through the despair of hopeless weakness and exhaustion.
About this time one came to me in my sore distress and brought Christian Science literature, and finally loaned me a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. Though I had no hope or expectation of healing through its means, I did desire to gain a greater spirituality and peace in some way, and therefore was willing to read the book. The ministry of the church to which I had belonged for many years, and the earnest prayers of dear friends, had been alike unavailing to me in my deep need, but I was so antagonistic to the statements I read in Science and Health that for a time I ceased to read it. Later on, through the study of Scriptural references which confirmed Mrs. Eddy's teaching, I awoke to appreciate somewhat that Science and Health is truly the "Key to the Scriptures." Then I began to read the text-book earnestly, and with great attention to each sentence, searching for discrepancies or falsity of statement or logic (though dreading to find them), but finding none.
