I first heard of Christian Science about six years ago. I had been a sufferer from rheumatic trouble about three years, and unable to find permanent relief, when I was asked by a friend why I did not try Christian Science. I had never heard of it, but when she invited me to attend the meetings with her, I willingly consented, though I wondered what any form of religion could have to do with one's physical condition. I attended the Wednesday evening meeting, expecting the ordinary orthodox prayer-meeting, and I was amazed when people spoke of their wonderful cures through divine power. Not a shadow of doubt crossed my consciousness; rather, I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving for the uplifting discovery. As I walked home a new sense of freedom seemed to bear me along as if on wings. On awakening the following morning, how well I felt! I had slept all night long without that terrible cramping in my legs. I went happily about my duties that day, but dreaded to retire at night, as I believed the pains would only come with renewed force for having missed the night before; yet they did not, nor has any symptom of the disease ever appeared since.
The following few weeks found me a regular attendant at the meetings; then I left the city, strongly determined to remain an adherent to Christian Science, but always thinking I was too busy to study. My relatives and friends were very much opposed to my views, and for the next few years I was entirely out of the atmosphere of Christian Science, never even hearing of it unless in ridicule. Unconsciously I was drifting away from the truth that had healed me. I became afraid to tell any one that I had ever been friendly toward this great truth; nevertheless, the good thoughts which had come to me during my brief experience had produced in me a state of perfect health for the first time in my life.
In time I returned to the city, but not to Christian Science; my debt of gratitude was forgotten. Within a few months I became nervous, gradually my health began to fail, and in less than two years I again left the city, unable to work. In about six months I was married, and the following eighteen months I weakened rapidly. In all this time I had never heard my husband express an opinion on Christian Science, but I had a foolish notion that he would bitterly oppose it; so when he called in medical attention for me, I mutely submitted. In August, 1906, a complication of diseases set in, among them a serious dropsical condition. The best physicians were called, some of the crimes charged to my system being a disease of the kidneys, etc. Tapping was resorted to, a torture to me that could not be exaggerated and which afforded only the slightest relief, but after three weeks I became larger than ever. For months I lay helpless, and was told that if I could be gotten into condition to operate on, I might in time recover. Then I awakened from the dream, as the best physicians in the city said they would not give anything for my chance of living, and my faithful friends again asked why I did not try Christian Science.
