Christian Science has brought such an abundance of good into my life that I never can find words to express my thankfulness. I have been changed from a despondent, nervous invalid to a useful, happy woman. Prior to 1908. I had been ill for ten years with intervals of some improvement, and had stayed in different hospitals. Before coming into Christian Science I spent many months in a sanatorium, always in bed in a dark room, alone and unable to read—all in consequence of weakness. I could not and would not meet my dear family, and my inner struggle was often violent, for I wanted to live and to work. Religion did not console me, for God seemed so far off. My only refuge was my doctor, who did what he could for me.
In the meantime my sisters heard of Christian Science and asked my doctor to allow them to have the case treated in that way and really wishing for my recovery he consented, because materia medica had failed to help. Quite unexpectedly one of my sisters came to see me and tried to explain something of this teaching, of which I had never heard, and to ask my consent to have treatment. I had a hard struggle after her departure, and at first was unwilling to consent; but after more consideration I agreed, for my greatest wish had been to comfort my loved ones and here was an opportunity to show my readiness to do so.
A practitioner began to treat me the next day, Sunday. I passed a miserable day and was full of fear for the coming night, as for many months I had been unable to sleep and had suffered terribly; but after the nurse had departed I suddenly experienced a sense of rest and peace. While full of happiness, all at once I became afraid, for I knew that this comfort was the effect of the Christian Science treatment, and not understanding how it was brought about I resisted keenly; I did not wish for such a healing. However, my sense of right helped me, for I had promised to give Christian Science a trial and I ought not to resist; so I laid my head on the pillow and slept quietly for several hours. The healing had begun, and every day my condition improved.
