Sincere gratitude, as well as the desire to help some sufferer, induces me to write this testimony. In the spring of 1906 I was taken with rheumatism of the joints, manifesting itself very severely on account of heart trouble. The physicians said that this ailment was hereditary; in fact, one of my relatives had been in a helpless condition for eleven years as a result of it. I was very ill for sixteen months and paralyzed for four months, at times suffering excruciating pain. During this period eleven physicians examined me, as I carried life insurance; I had medical attendance and was sent to health resorts. Finally, I was told by my physician to save my money, as it was all of no avail and I would never again be fit for work.
But the love of God saved me. I made the acquaintance of two dear ladies who led me upon the way of Christian Science. I then began to read the Herold assiduously, attended the Christian Science services, and translated parts of the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," word for word with the help of a dictionary, as I was not familiar with the English language. This was in the fall of 1907. In January, 1908, I again took up my duties as a superior cook, which was by no means easy work. I knew I had found the truth and continued to work for eight months. Then I took two months off for a rest, but spent the time in trying to gain a better understanding of Christian Science.
At the end of this time I again resumed my work for fifteen months, and then I had a severe relapse. My hands became stiff, and one finger of the right hand came out of the joint, the left foot was badly affected, and the pain seemed almost unbearable. I found it impossible to master my sense of fear and applied to a Christian Science practitioner for treatment. A time of severe trial came, but Love remained the victor.
