Christ Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." How often I have repeated this text with deep thankfulness, as I have seen one false belief after another disappear at the word of the healing truth. I attended my first Christian Science service in January, 1901, and I distinctly remember looking round the little hall where the service was held, and wondering if anybody in the building could be suffering as I was, for I was much impressed by the calmness of the congregation. When I first heard of Christian Science, I was suffering from a chronic stomach affection, with periodical attacks so distressing that I would be obliged to remain in bed, and was unable to take any food. At times the pain was so severe that I would become unconscious. I also suffered from a serious throat trouble and chronic cough; and as a result of other conditions, from a weak heart and frequent fainting-spells.
In February, 1901, I was introduced to a Christian Science practitioner and took treatment, and was healed of the throat trouble in a very short time. The other conditions did not yield so quickly, but through the help of a kind practitioner (who never feared to point out the moral faults which hindered the healing), at the end of two years I was perfectly free, and this after being under the care of doctors nearly all my life.
It may interest others to hear that I was brought to Christian Science by a friend who is the daughter of a clergyman. I used to pass the house of this friend on my weekly visit to the doctor, and when he had discouraged me more than usual, I would go to her for comfort (not knowing that she was studying Christian Science), and I always came away greatly cheered. After she told me about Christian Science, I often refused her loving invitation to go and see her friend who was a Christian Scientist. I remember saving, "I don't want to see a real Christian Scientist; you know quite enough for me." However, about six months later I went to see this friend, who became my practitioner. To me it is no small matter to be well and strong; but the greatest joy of all is to have found a religion which satisfies me, for I had become discouraged with the teachings of the church, and had been attending many different services, always hoping to find the truth.
