When I first heard of Christian Science I was engaged in relief work, visiting poor people and taking them money. On these occasions it struck me that in most cases their misery was brought about by sickness; and often the thought came to me, what a blessing it would be if sickness were not known on earth or if some means were discovered to overcome it entirely. How glad I was, therefore, to read in a Dutch periodical that this is the very thing which Christian Science promises to the world! About the same time, a friend told me that there was a Christian Science Reading Room in The Hague where I could learn about Christian Science. There I went; and a practitioner was engaged to give me a treatment. I needed this very much, for I felt miserable in those days.
For years I had suffered from sleeplessness, nervousness, very poor digestion, and last, but not least, from heart difficulty. The doctor advised me to take much rest, to lie down in the afternoons, and to go to bed early in the evenings. This, however, did not help me at all; and I very often thought that my life was not worth living, and that it could not be God's will that I should live in this way. How happy I was when in about two months after turning to Christian Science for help most of my ailments had vanished! I learned that I had to exercise man's God-given authority. Doing this, I not only grew healthier every day, but was also able to put off my spectacles, which I had used for about fifteen years.
All this happened twelve years ago. I need not tell how very happy, thankful, and enthusiastic I was! I felt as if sickness could never again come to me; and indeed I have not consulted a doctor or taken a drop of medicine since. Of course, I have had difficulties since that time; but, after all, I am thankful for them, because they have brought me nearer to God; and I know still better now that with Him we can overcome every error. I am a very healthy woman now; and my great desire is to be active in spreading Christian Science through the whole world, because it is only through Christian Science that mankind can become happy and healthy.— The Hague, Holland.
