I first heard of Christian Science in 1903, when a building resembling a dwelling-house was pointed out to me as a Christian Science church. After that I occasionally heard remarks of ridicule about this religion, until in the spring of 1906 a sister in-law, knowing I was in ill health and unable to work much more than half the time, brought a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy to my home. As I was anxious to know more about the Bible and was continually searching for relief from mental and physical ills, I took up the book and read the first chapter; then I turned to the "Key to the Scriptures." I had not read long before I threw the book down with impatience, but as I was not prejudiced, I picked it up and began to read again; still, it did not appeal to me.
I was then almost a nervous wreck, for every little disturbance would throw me into a fit of anger. I was at that time living on a farm in Oklahoma, but thinking a change might do me good, I returned to my former home in Ohio, and had remained there about a month when I learned that my family ties were broken. I returned to my home, but all efforts to produce harmony failed. I saw that I would have to give up my home, wife, and two little girls, whom I loved dearly. Not knowing what to do or where to go, I wandered into the shop of a business friend to ask about learning his trade. While talking, he referred me to a Christian Science practitioner, saying that I might get help there. I had never heard of a practitioner and knew nothing of this treatment, but I had received no benefit from materia medica. The family physician in Ohio had told me that I need never expect to be a well man, so I had no hope of being healed.
With the hope that I might regain my family, I went to the practitioner, and in a short talk with her I felt uplifted, so began treatment at once. I also borrowed Science and Health and began to read it, and soon purchased a copy of my own. After about six months' treatment and the study of Christian Science literature, I was healed of many ills, including a skin disease and a bowel disorder, from which I had suffered since infancy. A fever was overcome in four days through my own understanding of the truth, the practitioner telling me how to work, and there were none of the usual after effects. I have not always found the way easy, yet God, even as is promised, has guided me through the deep waters.
