Through the study and application of the truth as revealed to us in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and the other writings of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, my whole life has been changed. From early childhood to womanhood I suffered from one illness after another, until a fall on the stairs sent me to the hospital, where it seemed necessary to submit to surgery. Later, I was told the condition had been so serious that I should be glad to be alive, although I would never be well and strong.
For ten years after this I struggled on, trying one healing method after another, until nervous prostration finally kept me for two years almost constantly under a physician's care, and sometimes confined to my bed. Upon being told that materia medica had done all it could for me, I was greatly discouraged; but my thoughts turned to Christian Science, because others whom I knew well had been greatly helped by it. I was very much prejudiced against it at the time, because of early theological training. I also believed the statements true which the world was making about what it thought Christian Science to be. When a copy of Science and Health was lent to me I was afraid to read it; and feeling guilty at having it in the house, I hid it in the back of a bookcase.
Great fear of nervous attacks, which had troubled me for two years, kept me subject to them; and at one such time, when I was alone in the house, I realized it was useless to call for human help. In great fear and despair I fell face down on the bed, crying out, "God help me." Now, I know this very turning from man to God was my salvation, for "man's extremity is God's opportunity." Immediately, as if a voice had spoken, came these words which we find in Acts: "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? ... it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Questioning, as did Paul, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" brought the words "Christian Science" to my thought, and somewhat of their meaning was revealed to me. Eagerly I arose, went to the bookcase, and for four hours, oblivious of time or surroundings, read the textbook, for I knew I had found the Christ, Truth, the "pearl of great price." When I laid the book aside I was filled with peace and joy; and I felt a great change, although not immediately comprehending that I had been healed. All that night was spent in bed, for the first time in many months; and I did not once awaken until morning. I was able to sit down at the table and eat whatever I wished, something which I had not done for years.
