Some nine years ago Christian Science healed me of hemorrhoids, also of chronic bilious attacks. After this I never doubted that Christian Science could heal disease, and relied upon it altogether. I did not, however, gain the real understanding of Truth. My faith consisted merely in the assurance that "cure is there for every ill" (Hymnal, p. 226).
During the next seven years, further proofs of God's mercy were evidenced in the healing of acute lung trouble, throat affection, fear and pain incident to dental work, and the tobacco habit of twenty years' standing. In all these cases a Christian Science practitioner was employed, the conditions being quickly destroyed. The lesser difficulties during this period I tried to overcome by a course of denials of error, but within the last two years I have gained some understanding of the truth. I am at a loss to comprehend how any one could accept such benefits as these and think his obligation to Christian Science discharged after having paid his practitioner. In explanation of this I mention the overcoming of the hunting habit. To such an extent did this mania control me that a fourth of my time and income were formerly given over to its pursuit. In March, 1910, however, while seated in a duck-blind, the thought came to me to discontinue this habit, and in my effort to silence this angel I plunged deeper than ever into sin.
In November of the same year I had a severe attack of illness, which was overcome in one night. I returned to work, congratulating myself that I did not have to give in yet. However, I was unconsciously on the way to Damascus. Three days later a severe boil broke out on my finger, and was followed by two abscesses. Herein I saw my lesson and immediately gave up. It required four months to destroy these manifestations of disobedience, and I devoutly thank God that this was so. Throughout these months I performed the duties of a switch foreman, and did not lose a day; at the same time the profanity habit and a large part of a disagreeable disposition left me. Greatest of all, I began to acquire the understanding that "health is the consciousness of the unreality of pain and disease" (Rudimental Divine Science, p. 11).
