Christian Science found me twelve years ago. At that time I was in Montana herding sheep. I came to camp one evening and found a copy of The Christian Science Journal that had been left in my camp wagon by my employer. I opened it and read a testimony of healing. This was my first knowledge of what Christian Science is, and of what it is doing for mankind. The testimony was written by one who had been healed of the liquor habit in three days by Christian Science treatment. My first thought was to go to New York and find this person, as I had an uncontrollable appetite for strong drink. In reading the testimonies I saw the name "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy mentioned very often. I drove my band of sheep to the ranch, and sent to Boston for the book.
When this book came, I began to read, but without the slightest thought that I should be healed by doing so. After about three weeks' study, I lost all desire for strong drink, and was healed of the tobacco habit of over thirty years' standing. My eyes had been in a very bad condition, and there was great fear that I would go blind. I soon laid aside my glasses, which I had worn for a year or more. I ceased to use profane language, which I had done for years. I had what was called a bad stomach and bowel complaint, and was subject to so-called "bad spells," which occurred every three or four weeks. I had been reading about three weeks when I was taken with one of these, seemingly the worst I had ever experienced. I was on the ground over an hour, unable to travel after the sheep. I had Science and Health in my hand, and tried to read all I could. All at once the pain ceased, and I felt a pleasant sensation in my stomach. As I raised myself up, the pleasant sensation continued down the whole length of my body to the end of my toes. I was free, and could run uphill almost as easily as I could run down. This proved to be an instantaneous healing of stomach and bowel trouble, indigestion, and piles.
Before Christian Science found me I was almost an infidel; but it has revealed to me a God, not afar off, but close at hand, "a very present help in trouble." Until I began the study of Christian Science, I had taken medicine all my life. Since then I have not used any material remedies, as Christian Science has met my every need. Heart and lung trouble have been overcome, and corns have disappeared. I have also lost the desire for tea and coffee.
