It is fifteen years since I became interested in Christian Science, and to-day I find it difficult to remember what it was like to be without it. When it first found me I was a very delicate woman, slowly recovering from an operation, and with no guaranty from my kind physician that the condition would not recur. I was also very unsettled in my religious beliefs, not being able to reconcile my understanding of God as Love with the heartrending want and sorrow visible all around. I tried in turn different churches, but did not find what I needed; yet I loved the Bible, and knew that the truth was somewhere, and that some day I should find it. I never connected my physical condition with religion, and having kind and devoted care, acquiesced cheerfully in being made a most useless person. I was constantly tired, always failing at the critical moment, and subject to attacks of severe suffering.
I heard of Christian Science from a dear friend, to whom I cannot be sufficiently grateful. She had herself experienced great benefits from this teaching, and lent me Mrs. Eddy's book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which I opened with interest, and before I had finished reading the chapter on Prayer I literally cried for joy! Here was the beloved truth I had so long been waiting for! I was a great believer in drugs, and had rows of bottles on my table, but the following day they were all thrown away. It did not then occur to me to have treatment for my various ills; I was so happy that I forgot them; and on leaving that house I was able to bring healing to a tiny child whom the doctor had pronounced to be dying of bronchitis. With my slight understanding of this great truth the little one was healed in three days.
After this, as my old troubles began to show themselves, I asked for treatment from my friend, and gradually all my ailments were overcome, —internal and functional disorders, colds on the chest, weak eyes, and many other ills. I thank God, too, that many faults of character have been eradicated, and more are yielding to Truth, both in myself and in my children.
