A slight understanding of the great truth which makes free came to me a little over two years ago. I was then suffering from a number of so-called incurable diseases, among which was a throat difficulty that the doctors said I would have as long as I lived. On account of it I could not go out evenings, in fact the slightest climatic change seemed to affect me, until I had nearly lost my voice. I had for many years sought relief from this ailment through the various medical schools, but failed to find it. I also suffered from a weak heart, and had been a sufferer from severe rheumatism, besides having fever and ague regularly once a year; but that which I most feared among my many afflictions was paralysis. I had had one severe shock, was expecting another, and believed it would be the last. The verdict was again pronounced that there was nothing in materia medica which could help me. A mental picture of an open grave was constantly before me.
At my first interview with a Christian Science practitioner, as I was leaving her office, there suddenly dawned upon me the light of Truth, and instantly the cords in my neck and chest, which had become hardened and somewhat contracted, gave way, my left arm swung free at my side, and my left foot, which had been dragging, came up with my right foot, and I knew that I was free. As I walked out of that building and up the street, more erect than I had for some time before, I realized that there was something for me to do; that I must get an understanding of this truth which had come to me, if I wished to stay on earth; and to gain this understanding became my one object and desire.
The next day I took my first regular Christian Science treatment, and I then saw that wonderful book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, for the first time, and was able to read a little of it with the aid of two pairs of glasses. The next day these glasses, which I had used for years, were discarded, and when I next saw this book I was able to read it as well if not better than when I had first seen it two days before, the sense of defective vision having been overcome. Prior to taking Christian Science treatment, my mind on account of paralysis had been at times a blank, and at other times I had wrong mental impressions. I was very much reduced in flesh and my complexion was that of a person afflicted with jaundice. I continued to take treatment, and gradually, as the understanding of the truth came to me, all of these discordant conditions disappeared and I knew that I was advancing toward Life, not death. I was also gaining rapidly in weight at this time.
