When my attention was first called to Christian Science, I was a weak, sickly woman, both physically and mentally. I had been an invalid for eighteen years, which condition was brought about from the birth of my children. I tried many physicians, but without any relief. After my trouble was of twelve years' standing, I had a surgical operation, which left me worse than ever before. I was laid up for seven months and always under the doctor's care, and during all this time I was never able to sit up without great distress, and if I attempted to walk I would not be able to sit up for weeks. About this time I consulted three of the prominent physicians of San Francisco. Two of them told me that I must have another operation to remove some of the diseased organs, the third one said that I never could endure another operation on account of my heart and the poor condition of my blood.
I was utterly discouraged and getting worse every day, but at last I met a lady who told me of what Christian Science had done for her and advised me to try it for myself. The very next day I called a Christian Science practitioner and began to take treatment, which worked wonders for me. My family noticed the improvement at once, and the same evening, when they heard me singing, wanted to know what was the matter with me, as I was in the habit of motioning my answers to their questions, to save me the pain of speaking. My headaches had been very severe, and I also suffered from attacks of gall-stones, which made my life wretched; but now, thanks to Christian Science, I am a well woman, and have been for five years. I can work and walk and do whatever I like without being weary.
I will also say that I was asked by the practitioner to read "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, but as I am German and had never read any English. I thought I could not read it. I, however, bought a copy of the book, and began to study it as best I could. I had no instruction, but kept on studying and reading until I had read the book from beginning to end seven times. I was like one who had found the living water of which Jesus tells us that one shall drink and never thirst, but it "shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
