It is a little less than three years ago that I began to study Christian 'Science, and during this time I have been given new life; many of the "former things" have passed away, and each day brings new light. When I began the study of Christian Science I was suffering great physical distress, having a supposedly incurable disease, also a complication of other ailments. The disease which had been pronounced fatal was one which medical science considered to have been thoroughly diagnosed by the use of X-ray plates, analysis, etc. The diagnosis had been made in the most thorough manner by able men, and there was no known means of cure. Palliatives in the form of antiseptics taken in very large quantities, and tonics for the heart, had been faithfully followed for more than two years; nothing was left undone which is known to medical science, and all efforts in my behalf were directed by most competent and faithful physicians. The diagnosis disclosed calculi in both kidneys and the entire system was said to be so affected that an operation was not considered possible, in fact segregation was not deemed advisable.
After a few weeks' study of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and faithful efforts to put to use what I had read, I found myself forgetting to take the material remedies, and in less than a month from the time I began to study I had dropped all material means, and with the aid of a Christian Science practitioner I regained my health. When I began to read Science and Health, together with the study of the Christian Science Quarterly, I was unable to remember a line as I read it over, and for some days I could see no improvement, mentally or physically; but I now realize I must have learned that these words, "God is the Principle of man, and man is the idea of God" (Science and Health, p. 476), embodied something that was to be proved by me, as I knew that many other persons similarly afflicted had successfully proved that rule.
I have found my sense of life thoroughly transformed, and I owe my reformation of thought and life to the application of the rules given by Mrs. Eddy in her invaluable text-book. I am not able to express all my thankfulness for the knowledge gained by the study and practice of these teachings, and for the advice and instruction which I found in her "Miscellaneous Writings." I am glad to make this acknowledgment of the help and comfort that come to me constantly from Mrs. Eddy's writings and the Journal and Sentinel.— Santa Barbara, Cal.
