For a long time I have been desirous of telling other sufferers of my healing through Christian Science. In June, 1903, I was taken down with a dreaded fever, while playing an engagement in New Jersey as musical director. During my illness, that season, the board of governors did everything possible to make me comfortable, and furnished me with the best medical aid obtainable. When my recovery permitted, I was removed to my home in New York city, with the hope of being able to take my usual winter engagement; but my convalescence was very slow. In November of the same year I had severe pains in my chest, and finally, after our family physician's examination, it was said that there was a growth on my chest which must be removed by an operation, and so in November, 1903, I had my first operation. When this was over, I was informed that the operation had disclosed a serious affection of the bone. To say that I never had thought much of the use of the knife is but putting it mildly, and I went home very much discouraged, especially when I was informed that in a short time I must again go to a hospital.
I kept putting off the question, however, until after another examination in April, 1904, when I went to the hospital for my second operation. This time the surgeons removed not only part of the breast bone, but also one rib. The wound not healing, I became very much disheartened, and in November of the same year I went to a specialist, who said, after an examination, that another operation was the only thing. A few days before Thanksgiving Day I had my third operation, and this time a second and third rib were removed, leaving me weaker than ever. Now came the time for me to go about with a cane, with one of my family as an escort, and I often prayed to be taken out of such misery. January, 1905, found me back in the sanitarium for the fourth operation within less than a year. This last experience left me in a dreadful condition., and about the first of March the surgeon asked me, while I was on the operating-table, "Can't you think of something else you might try, or some other doctor?" I became very much aroused at this, and asked, "If you cannot get me right, where shall I go?" When I got home I pondered over his question, but concluded I had had about all the surgery I could endure; in fact, one dear friend, a doctor, told me I had better arrange my affairs, as bone disease was incurable when in such an advanced stage as mine.
Shortly 'after this a friend who had called asked my good wife to have me try Christian Science. I was approached on the subject, and while thinking it over, it came to me that if Christian Science did me no good, it certainly could do me no harm, and the more I thought of it the more I felt like trying it. Very rarely was I permitted to go from home to the surgeon's office unless one of my family accompanied me, but one day something happened so that I went alone, and when I came out of the surgeon's office I stood at Herald Square with the prospect before me of trying surgery again, and this time still another rib was to be removed But remembering my firm resolution not to have any more operations, my heart filled to the brim with discouragement, these thoughts presented themselves to me, Will you try Christian Science, or will you submit to another operation? As I could not take any chances in a crowded car, I walked with difficulty to a Christian Science practitioner's office. When my turn came, a modest gentleman ushered me into his private office, and finally asked me if I thought anything was impossible with God. I told him that I did not, and never had.
