Before I heard of Christian Science I had suffered from extreme nervousness for twenty years, roughly speaking. I am a professional musician, and public performance caused me such mental and physical torture that at one time I contemplated ending my life, and should probably have done so if I had had the courage. A specialist on nervous diseases to whom I applied, though very sympathetic, could only advise me to try to bear my illness philosophically.
About six years ago my sister presented me with a copy of Science and Health, and though at the time I was rather annoyed with her, thinking it was a pity to waste so much money on the book, I now know it was the greatest blessing I have ever received. Like many others, I commenced to read it in order to be able to prove its teachings futile, but before long I was convinced (very much against my will, being at that time a confirmed agnostic) that it contained the truth, or at any rate the nearest approach to it with which I had ever come in contact. My healing was extremely slow, and I am not entirely free from nervousness yet, but the difference in my condition is very great, and playing is often a pleasure to me instead of the reverse.
Only those who have experienced to some extent the paralyzing effect of fear (I have never yet met any one so entirely incapacitated by it as I formerly was) can appreciate the sense of relief and thankfulness that deliverance from it brings. I am more grateful every day to Mrs. Eddy for her wonderful discovery, and to all those who have helped me to understand it.— South Kensington, London, England.
