In the summer of 1913 a prominent physician in the Middle West said that I did not have a strong organ in my body, and recommended certain medicines, special exercises, and salt baths daily. All these were necessary, he pronounced, in order that I might gain a normal condition,—a condition which I had never seemed to have. I took his advice, only to find that I was gradually getting worse instead of improving, and a sense of nervousness was also developing. At this time my family moved to a small town for better working conditions, for we were in very poor financial circumstances, having lost all our material possessions. My health was still growing worse, and I lost all enjoyment in living, continually holding the thought that I was afflicted.
One day, during the fall of the same year, while taking a walk I found myself gazing at a small church, and on looking above its doorway I read the words, "First Church of Christ, Scientist." The thought came to me that I should visit this church on the following Sunday. When the Sabbath day arrived I attended the Sunday school; and I shall never forget that day—it was the turning-point in my life. The children and teachers reflected so much love toward me that I completely forgot about my so-called troubles during that hour. I was also impressed by the singing of Mrs. Eddy's hymn beginning, "Shepherd, show me how to go" (Poems, p. 14). I am so deeply grateful to know that the love expressed in a Christian Science Sunday School healed me of all discouragement, and caused me to realize that I had found the truth which solves all problems.
I went home and told my mother of my visit to that Sunday school, how I had been helped, and how Christian Science could help the family. A Christian Scientist lent us a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, for we did not have money enough to buy one. We read that book to such an extent that the thought of lack was very shortly overcome. The members of my family began to prosper, as they grew in the truth as taught in Christian Science; and to-day we are all enjoying the supply which "cometh down from the Father." I am completely healed of the abnormal condition and am enjoying perfect health,—the result of my study of Christian Science, and also of the help received from practitioners.
