From early childhood I was a sufferer from what we tried to believe was only a functional disease of the heart. In the years of 1891-2, while I was studying medicine, it was discovered that my sufferings were caused from organic disease of the heart, one of the specialists declaring that I was liable to die at any moment. Having finished my studies, in the latter part of the year of 1893 my husband and I went to a warmer climate — South America. There I practised medicine, having marked success with every one except myself. In the summer of 1904A correction was made in the 1910 Journal: "In the testimony of Florence A. Barnes, M.D., on page 52 of the April Journal, the date of her return to the United States was given as 1907 instead of 1904, as the figures, not being typewritten, were open to misapprehension." we returned to the United States, the disease having seemingly progressed so far that death could not be long in coming.
It was at this time that my attention was called to Christian Science. I had heard the name perhaps three times in my life before, and once some one had said, "They believe in healing the sick as Jesus did." I remember that I said in reply, "Perhaps, then, they have come to teach the churches something, for the Bible truly teaches this." The subject then went out of my mind, but when on my return to this country a friend gave me several copies of the Sentinel to read and give to some one else, I found in them references to the "word of Life" which were like manna to a hungry heart. I had not read enough to understand about practitioners, but I knew in my soul that "God is no respecter of persons," and I asked questions which when answered taught me I must affirm or declare health, knowing that if we believe that we have what we ask for, we shall receive. In forty-eight hours after I took up "the prayer of faith" (understanding) I knew I was healed. Night-sweats were stopped entirely, and I was soon able to realize that I had become a new person. Later on, I came into the peace and joy of understanding God's Word, as a result of its study in connection with the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy.
This new spiritual understanding gives joy and contentment, where before were cares and worries. I can no longer use material remedies, knowing that the "great Physician" is always here.
