In the first copy of Der Herold which was sent me, I found a testimony which proved very helpful, as the case related was very similar to mine. Perhaps this testimony, which I give with deep gratitude, may also help another.
While still employed in a public school in Berlin, I suffered from weakness of the nerves, culminating in a complete breakdown. The trouble became apparent through mental and bodily inability, debility of all muscles, including those of the stomach, weakness of the heart, insomnia, thoughts of fear, and the other serious accompaniments of this condition. In the summer of 1904, after my first breakdown, I turned to medical aid, which was continued for four years, during which time I was forced to take leave of absence more often than I was able to work, and consequently had to be pensioned. The following four years were spent mostly in sanaturiums and convalescent homes. As medicines had failed me, I was resorting to the so-called nature cures, and while under this treatment Christian Science found me. Upon my return to Berlin I had three treatments, and although not healed I got an idea how one must work in Christian Science. At first it was slow, for I had much medical knowledge to forget. I cannot tell the time of my healing, for it came gradually, in proportion to my advanced understanding.
When referring my relatives to the great blessings which I have received through Christian Science, I was always confronted with the argument that I was not now working at my profession, and that it would become apparent that this, too, was but a temporary result, as were all former ones. I was therefore very happy when the opportunity was presented me to prove my complete ability to work. God's love led me to a place which I surely would not have chosen. I secured a position as a war substitute in a public school in a small town in Meklenburg where the work was much more difficult than in Berlin. At first it seemed as though the doubters would be right, for upon leaving the school on the second day I experienced the same paralyzing weariness as formerly. Immediately the thought came to me, as expressed in our textbook (Science and Health, p. 385), "Whatever it is your duty to do, you can do without harm to yourself." Upon arising, every trace of weariness had vanished and did not return although I performed the work during two years. My sense of happiness and gratitude for regained health is great, still this seems insignificant in comparison to the spiritual uplift, the wonderful sense of peace and rest which fills me since I have found the God who is Love. While I have not overcome everything, the happy certainty of knowing that I am in the right way, where the truth which makes free is acknowledged, assures me of ultimate freedom. I am happy and grateful that no duties prevent me from placing my entire time at the service of this great cause, that I was accepted as a member of The Mother Church, and that I was able to have class instruction. May God enable me to show others the way to the light, as I have been shown by other people.— Schwerini/ Meklenburg, Germany.
