Christian Science found me when earthly hope and help were gone. My case was dementia, or insanity. I was a Bible student from my youth, and had committed to memory hundreds of Scriptural verses. I was reared a Lutheran, but was never satisfied with my religion, and went from church to church, until I attached myself to the Pentecostal people. I thought they must be right, since they spoke in other tongues. We prayed for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost sometimes until after midnight.
Under the influence of these meetings, I became a better man. I was seeking Truth. I gave up tobacco, and consecrated myself to God. But I could not agree with my brethren on the question of a hell of fire and brimstone, and this variance from my brethren excited me. I still believed that Christ would come to redeem us, and that it was my duty to warn the people to prepare for the great event. With others, I went out on the streets and preached. About this time I lost my reason, and three days later, found myself in an asylum for the insane. Thoughts which came to me while there, however, became a new light to me; my mind cleared; from day to day understanding returned to me, and in a short time thereafter I was sent home as fully recovered. But a shadow was over me yet, and did not depart until Christian Science became my physician.
Soon after I returned home, my daughter brought me a Christian Science Sentinel and requested me to read it. When I saw what it was, I directed her to put it into the stove. She insisted, however, that I read it. More out of curiosity than desire, I commenced reading the testimonies therein, and the refreshing of the Lord came to me like morning dew. I continued to read, and later secured the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and read it day and night. As I read, the last mental shadow was dissipated, and God's light of reason returned fully to me. That was almost eighteen years ago, and I bless God for the continuing light. No word or pen of mine can express my gratitude for the blessings brought to me and to my family by Christian Science.
