It is over two years since I first began the study of our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. At that time I was in Phœnix, Ariz., trying to find relief from lung trouble. I had been told by doctors that I positively could not endure another winter in the North. After leaving school I spent one summer in Tacoma and Portland, but came home in the fall worse than when I left. I then went to Phœnix, where I lived in the open air, followed the rules of hygiene to the best of my ability, also tried other remedies; but at the end of five months I was forced to admit to myself that I was gradually losing. I became very despondent, and was without hope of recovery.
It was at this time that the lady with whom I was staying placed some Christian Science literature on my cot, which was out in the yard, in the shade of the trees. The reading of that literature opened a new world to me, for the logic and reasoning were wonderful to me. I called upon a practitioner, and through her help was able to return home within three months, well! I had gained a good deal in weight, and shortly after returning home I accepted a position on a government survey. This took us along the summit of a range of mountains, where I worked in snow and rain, many times being wet and cold all day, but I came out of the hills that fall in better health than I ever had before. Since that time I have returned to school and finished a term, gaining steadily in health and happiness.
My mother also has accepted this truth, and has been lifted from a state of semi invalidism, in which she had been most of the time for the last twenty years, to better health than she has ever experienced before; while my younger brother has been healed of heart trouble, which had forced him to leave school. We are all thankful to God for these many blessings, and grateful to Mrs. Eddy for showing mankind how to receive them. When I glance back at my condition before I knew of Christian Science and then compare it with that of the present, my heart is filled with gratitude. I hope to gain a greater understanding of Truth, and to become and remain worthy of the name Christian Scientist.
