I HAVE long felt that I must express my gratitude for Christian Science. I have indeed found it to be the "sweetest story ever told," and I never grow tired of listening to it. It has taught me the meaning of the Word of God. I have attended many different churches in search of the straight and narrow path which leads to the "secret place of the most High," and when but a little girl I decided that it was of no use for me to study the Bible, as those who spent much time in its study did not preach so that I could understand it. There came a day, however, after many weary years, when, in my hour of greatest need,—sickness, distresses of mind, and other trials,—I prayed earnestly for a better light to live by. The Father heard my cry out of the, depths. I was hungry and thirsty, and He guided my footsteps to Christian Science.
I read in a paper that a Christian Science practitioner had been called in, where a man had been given up by the doctors, and that the man had been helped. Then I wondered if a practitioner could help another who was as ill as that man was said to be. I cut out the article and hid it behind the telephone, feeling sure the family would laugh at me if I said a word about trying Christian Science, but thinking that the first time I was alone I would call up the practitioner mentioned. I had been very ill for three months with lung disease, followed by an affection of the hip-joints.
At the first opportunity I called up the practitioner, and when a lady answered the telephone, saying I could come at once, I started, as she was only about two blocks away. I told her that I wanted help, and she gave me a treatment. The next day I told the lady that I was worse instead of better, but I took another treatment. I then opened a book which she had given me—it was "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." The word "key" appealed to me, and I began to read here and there. I did not know who Mrs. Eddy was, but I felt that I had found the best sermon I had ever read, especially on pages 307 and 308, where we are told about Jacob's wrestling. I decided that I wanted to read the book through, and the practitioner directed me to the reading-rooms, where I found I could get a copy. I went home, after buying the best bound copy that they had, and seated myself in a chair that had been a sort of a protection to my stiff joints. Usually I would get worse whenever I sat still very long, but I began to read this wonderful book and could not drink it in fast enough. I had occasion to get up after an hour or so, when some one called me, and suddenly I realized that I was healed. I felt new all over! The rheumatism was all gone, and I called to the family and said, "I am healed." I then called up the practitioner and told her I would not have to come again, as I was healed. She advised me not to tell of it, but I said that I had done so already.
