When I first heard of Christian Science, the week before Easter, 1912, I had been lying for about six years in a serious condition, suffering from organic, functional, and nervous diseases. I had not walked more than a few yards in that time, my only way of getting about being in a bath-chair, and even that exertion often was too much for me. I was able to sit up only with difficulty and for a short time. I went through the whole gamut of medical methods, and was never satisfied unless something was being done for me; yet I was still like the woman spoken of in Mark's gospel.
I had suffered for many years from what was pronounced a disease of the spinal cord, and it finally resulted in a loss of power in the legs, a valvular heart affection, internal troubles, and other ills too numerous to mention. Up to this time all I had seen or heard of Christian Science was unfavorable to it, and I was greatly prejudiced against what I thought it to be, but when three copies of the Sentinel were sent me, and I read the testimonies therein, I thought that if those people could get better I could, too. I then began to read the articles, and the next day was surprised to find myself feeling better. I continued to read and to improve. More literature was lent me, then Science and Health, which was read assidously until the Whitsuntide, when I began once more to learn to walk.
Treatment was lovingly proffered me by a Christian Scientist who had visited me and helped me to an understanding of what Christian Science is, so that in about six weeks I walked out into the world again, just beginning to understand what Jesus meant when he said, "If ye continue in my word, ... ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." One day I walked a mile and a half, and after a rest walked back in a pouring rain-storm without feeling any ill effects. Only those who have been through a similar experience can realize what this freedom meant to me. From that day to this, a period of four years, I have been up and about every day, living an active and at times a strenuous life. Not only had six years of serious illness been overcome, but all my life I had never known what it was to feel well. I am thankful to say that now, through the understanding of Christian Science, I can do everything that it is my duty to do, and work is pleasure instead of toil. Friends who have not seen me for some time can scarcely realize that I am the same person, for I do not look as if I had ever been ill.
