I was a sufferer from what doctors called an incurable disease and was made whole through Christian Science. With the hope that these truths may be of benefit to some one who is similarly afflicted, I cheerfully give this testimony regarding my experience in Christian Science. For a number of years prior to 1900 my health had been poor, my family physician saying it was a case of general debility, etc. I would take severe colds, which soon developed into a fever of some kind or other. In the summer of 1900 1 had an illness which the doctor said was brought on by overwork and worry. I was confined to my bed for two weeks, and when I got up and tried to walk I was unable to do so properly. At the time 1 was not alarmed, thinking that, when I fully recovered I would 'be all right again; but although my general health improved, it was with great difficulty that I walked, and I often suffered much at night. I consulted a physician, and he prescribed a "long rest," saying that this was the only thing which would do me any good. As I had already had what I considered a long rest, I decided to go to work instead, and did.
At the end of a year and a half, during which time I spent almost every Sunday, and at least one day during the week in bed, I suddenly collapsed completely. The doctor who was called said there was absolutely no hope of my recovery. He advised a change of environment and complete rest, also telling me not to waste any more money on doctors, as there was nothing in materia medica which would be of the least benefit to me. Acting on his advice, I went up in the northern peninsula of Michigan, remained there for six weeks, and did nothing but rest. I was apparently benefited by this vacation and came home with high hopes. This was in March, and I continued to rest until the latter part of October, when I again went to work, keeping at it with an occasional day off until the following January, when I again collapsed. This attack was much more severe than any I had previously suffered, and after remaining in bed under the care of a physician for three months and being no better, I lost all hope. I stopped doctoring, telling my family that I would do the best I could without medicine until the end came, and that it could not come too soon for me.
Just at this time a friend asked me to read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mrs. Eddy, and offered to loan me the book. I had of course known of Christian Science in a general way; had even known personally of some cures it had made, but never for a moment thought of applying it in my own case. I now gladly consented, however, and will say parenthetically that reading was one of the things which the doctor had prohibited. After reading a chapter or two, I began to wonder whether I could not be benefited, and in a few days the idea grew into a desire to consult a practitioner; but I kept my thoughts to myself, not wishing to raise any false hopes in my family.
