Because the testimonies of others in the Journal and Sentinel have so often helped me, I feel that perhaps it is my duty publicly to express my gratitude to the great Giver of all good, for the gift of Christian Science to the world through Mrs. Eddy.
I was so afflicted with Bright's disease that my few household duties were a great burden, and if left alone for any length of time, I became extremely depressed. Everything was dark and I saw no ray of hope. I had really known no life but in the church, as I was a minister's daughter and had become a member at ten years of age. I had given almost my entire time outside my home duties to its work; yet now I found no comfort in any of its activities. Even the Bible, which from childhood I had read daily, was becoming strangely tiresome. I was horrified at the state of mind in which I found myself, and was careful that no one should know of it. Finally, a partial escape was offered me by our removal from town into the country, and I was thankful that at least we would not be expected to attend the prayer meeting regularly. My spiritual unrest and physical condition found no surcease in prayer. To my poor stricken sense this was most terrible of all, for I had been the means of helping others to peace; yet now I who had preached to others, was to be "a castaway."
Another annoying feature of my physical condition was a fear of falling, so that I was continually stumbling. Added to this was a serious hemorrhoidal difficulty which had afflicted me for nearly thirty years, together with paralysis of the bowels. In the midst of such confusion of thought there finally came light. Through the influence of my sister I was led to interview a practitioner of Christian Science. I am sorry to say that while I had not found the religion of my childhood sufficient for the storms of life when they broke upon me, yet I immediately took the defensive when I came into the presence of the dear woman who was to be one of the means by which I found Christ. I asked her why Christian Scientists did not pray, and told her that if Christian Science took away my Christ, I would have none of it. I did not ask for treatment, but I left her with the first feeling of peace I had known for many months, and with a great desire to read Science and Health.
