Like many others who know little or nothing about Christian Science, I condemned it publicly and privately. When a sister living in a distant state wrote that she was interested in Christian Science I was greatly displeased. She had always seemed to be chiefly interested in the accumulation of material gain, but from that time on I noticed a great change in her letters. Her interest in things spiritual caused me to wonder and inquire. Having always been active in the work of my church, I was glad to note her awakening to the things of Spirit, but would rather have seen it come through some other avenue than Christian Science.
About this time my spine was injured in a fall. Although under the care of several physicians, I suffered for months, and to the physical pain was added the fear that for the remaining years of my life I would he an invalid. I went to the home of my sister to rest for the summer, hoping to recover sufficiently by autumn to return to my work in the East. The summer passed and I was far from being able to return to my work, going instead to California, thinking that perhaps continued rest and quiet, together with change of climate, would benefit me; but soon after my arrival my condition became more serious, and again I was under the care of physicians.
When the time came for my return to my sister's home, nine months later, I was not able to stand the journey. A friend then asked why I did not try Christian Science, and mentioned the name of a practitioner just a couple of blocks down the street. After she left I prayed for guidance and strength, and my prayer was answered. I walked the couple of blocks with difficulty, but the practitioner's kindness and patience with me as I plied her with questions (for I still thought mental suggestion was the Christian Science mode of treatment) seemed to cast out all fear. After the treatment I dragged myself back to my rooms, somewhat disappointed, but in a few hours my healing was complete.
