I have long desired to bear testimony through our periodicals to the healing, purifying, and regenerating power of this new-old demonstrable religion, in the hope that other sufferers, reading my experience, may be cheered and encouraged to seek Truth at this open fount of divine Love which is pouring forth freely to all who come ready to part with prejudice, a false sense of self, and to accept and apply, uncompromisingly, its teachings to their every problem. From early childhood until healed through Christian Science, I had been burdened with the fear of lung trouble, as the result of a serious illness pronounced by our family physician "lung fever," which left me in delicate health. Some years later I contracted a severe cold which developed into what the same physician termed quick consumption. As he advised a change of climate, my parents sent me to the Rocky Mountains in northern Montana. In three months I returned to my home in Iowa apparently well, but our physician, ever solicitous and kind, reproved me for returning and cautioned me to be very careful always. In consequence I was ever fearful.
A year later, while away from home, I was again attacked with a severe cold, and after I had resorted to many material remedies without relief, my employer very kindly asked me to try Christian Science treatment, stating that while he did not understand it, he had been greatly benefited. He gave me the name and address of a practitioner, on whom I called, and after one present and one absent treatment healing followed quickly, but I do not remember being grateful, nor did I give Christian Science further consideration.
I was subjected to attacks of pleurisy and acute lung trouble for several years until seven years ago. I was then in the depths of worry, grief, despondency, and at times on the verge of self-destruction. Christian Science was again brought to my attention by two Christian Scientists to whom I shall ever be deeply grateful for the loving-kindness and patience manifested. I did not become interested on account of its healing efficacy, but because it was unfolded to me during the reading of the Lesson-Sermons with these friends that this was indeed a religion of divine Love, usable every day, yes, every moment. A copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy was loaned to me, also a Quarterly. The Bible, which had been a closed book to me for many years, was brought forth, and with our textbook has been my daily companion ever since. Thus began the new birth, and I regard as most profoundly grand and sacred this advent of the light of Christian Science into my darkened mentality. My whole outlook on life was changed from gloom, despair, and dark forebodings to a lively hope and joyous expectancy of the possibilities which the unfoldment of this revelation of the Christ, Truth, had in store for me.
