For sixteen years I suffered from chronic heart trouble, which was very painful. Various physicians whom I consulted in this connection diagnosed the case as a serious trouble of a heart valve, severe nervous disorders, and weakness of the heart muscles, and sent me to well-known springs for the healing of heart trouble. Although my stay was of longer duration almost every year, the results were insignificant. Eight years ago, however, after an attack of influenza, a severe case of inflammation of the muscular part of the wall of the heart manifested itself, in addition to my other troubles, which rendered me bedridden for many months. To this was added inflammation and widening of the great artery. I suffered intensely and was nearly desperate. Although this condition improved somewhat, my heart was so weak that I was not able to perform even the slightest duties. The physician who attended me daily exercised his ability, but the hemorrhages would not stop.
In these darkest hours of my life I heard of Christian Science through a member of the household. At first I had very little confidence in this teaching, but after the first treatment I found my heart functioning with more strength. As a result of a painful nervous eye trouble the eyes had become very much clouded, so that I was unable to read a single line. While turning the pages of Der Herold, after my first treatments, the type was perfectly clear to me, and to my great astonishment I was able to read several pages. Now improvement was very rapid. After the sixth treatment I was able to ride to Berlin and attend a Wednesday evening meeting there. This first service made a deep impression upon me, and it was evident to me that I had found the way which leads to Truth and Love here.
There were still some hours of discouragement, however, for the error which had after many years seemed to gain so firm a foothold in mortal mind was not yet completely destroyed. Still, with unending patience and faith the practitioner continued working for me. Gradually, with my growing spiritual understanding, the seeming power of error was decreased. Now I know that God is the only power, and is the great Physician. With deep felt thanks to God, who has freed me from the bondage of error, I think of our revered Leader, Mrs. Eddy, who gave us this wonderful truth, with gratitude.— BerlinSteglitz, Germany.
