I feel so grateful for what Christian Science has done for me that I write this testimony, hoping it will be of some benefit to those who may read it. I turned to Christian Science for help in April, 1910, when all material means had failed, with the exception of an operation; but I believe that had I submitted to this, it would have proved fatal, as I was in great fear of it. I had been in ill health for two years or more before coming to Christian Science. I had been under the care of several doctors, who did not really know what was the matter with me; had also tried a visit in the country, thinking that it might benefit me, but it was of no avail.
At last I went to a specialist and surgeon of this city, who examined me thoroughly and pronounced my trouble due to an enlargement of the thyroid gland. He was very frank with me, telling me that he hardly believed he could cure me with medicine, but that he would give it a trial, and then operate if his medicine failed to cure. He said he would not take my case, if I refused to be operated upon, should it seem necessary, and I accepted his conditions, as I did not know what else I could do. He did not even promise a cure by operation, for he said it was a very dangerous undertaking, that by the least mistake I would die while under it, but that death was sure for me if I was not operated upon. After doctoring with him about four months, and feeling no better, I began to fear the operation, and naturally began to look for help elsewhere. I could hardly realize that I would ever be well again, and would cry after the others were asleep. I did not want to die. I did not want to leave my little boy, for I felt that he needed me most. Often while praying, I would ask God that if it were His will I should live, to make known to me what to do and where to go. I now know that my prayer was answered through Christian Science. People who know nothing of Christian Science may think this strange, but I am really glad I have had this experience, for now I know that our only help is in God, if we but turn to Him.
I was very weak and extremely nervous, could remember hardly anything, and had no energy whatever. At night I had to be propped up in bed, I would also suffer while eating or drinking. This trouble caused a protrusion of the eyeball. I had many other ills which I do not care to outline; I only wish that others who are struggling would turn to God, and understand Him as Christian Science teaches us to do. I have learned that God is Love, and in time of need is always with us, not far off in the heavens and seeing our troubles and torments but giving us no help. I have also learned that we must be true and sincere in our desires, and ready to receive by living more each day as God would have us live. Before coming into Christian Science I had an uncontrollable temper, as it seemed. I would get very angry and use language which now seems dreadful to me. I had often tried to overcome this habit, but it seemed that the evil was stronger than I. This dropped away from me during the two-weeks treatment in Christian Science given me for my sickness.
