It is four years since I began to study Christian Science. I have touched only the hem of Christ's garment, but this little understanding of Truth has changed all my life and character.
As long as I can remember, I suffered from many illnesses, among them tuberculosis of the lungs and spine, neuralgia, headache, constipation, and rheumatism. The last years I suffered from gallstones,and particularly from my stomach. I could digest nothing. I supposed I was suffering from cancer,because this disease was in my family, although the doctors to whom I went for help did not mention it to me. This was my physical condition; my mental condition was no better. I had thought all my life that I should find the truth about life and human existence in knowledge, science, philosophy, and various activities. I pondered how we could do good to ourselves, our neighbors, and mankind, but found no answer. The last historical events of the war, revolution in my country (Russia), the loss of home, wealth, relatives, and friends had plunged me into darkness, without God or hope. I had one wish,—to die; only love for my family helped me to live and to bear these miseries.
Christian Science came to me when I was lying in a hospital, waiting to be operated upon. One of my friends, who was not a Christian Scientist, came to see me and incidentally left me two little pamphlets on Christian Science. I felt these two little books told what is true. I asked my friend to buy me a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and in this book I found the truth. I read it for three days. It was a great revelation to me. I began to understand the divine Principle, and the words of Jesus the Christ were fulfilled, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." I arose from my bed of suffering, left the hospital, and came home rejoicing. The operation was never performed.
