At a time when I was suffering from tubercular hip disease, I was requested to read to a lady who could not see. The book handed me was "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy; and while I did not seem to grasp the truth fully, I realized that there was a great truth to be gotten from the book. I sent for a copy and read it through; and as a result I soon laid aside my crutches. I had never met a Christian Scientist, nor had I heard of a practitioner. I was a member of another church at that time, and as soon as I was able to do so I resumed my church work. Although I did not know it then, I now realize that the reading of Science and Health healed me.
Several years later my attention was again directed to this book when I was in great need of help, and I began to study it systematically. Gradually the truth was unfolded to me, and it is still being unfolded; and I am still being healed. Some of the difficulties from which I have been freed completely are a dislocated arm, fear of hereditary blindness, and the effects of so-called poison oak. After a day spent in the woods, I noticed when I retired that I was experiencing the itching, burning, and other symptoms which sometimes accompany association with this plant. I decided to meet the case myself, rather than call a practitioner; and by constantly holding to the thought that man is spiritual and that personal sense does not govern man, I became entirely free, so that when I appeared at the breakfast table the next morning, no one present knew what I had passed through.
I am very grateful to God, the giver of all good, to Christ Jesus the Way-shower, who taught us how to live aright, and to Mary Baker Eddy, who gave all her time to elucidate the truths of Christian Science so that we could learn to do our own demonstrating. I am so grateful that there is no limit to the progress one may make in spiritual advancement, and that we may continue to unfold in accordance with our daily prayer (Manual, Art. VIII, Sect. 4): " 'Thy kingdom come;' let the reign of divine Truth, Life, and Love be established in me, and rule out of me all sin; and may Thy Word enrich the affections of all mankind, and govern them!"— San Francisco, Calif.
