For a number of years previous to 1916, I struggled with many diseases and physical discords, among which were rheumatism, dyspepsia, and tuberculosis of the lungs and throat. I was under treatment at various sanitariums and received some temporary relief. At irregular intervals difficulties would occur, which, under the physician's direction, made it necessary to remain absolutely quiet in bed for about ten days each time, and later to take only short walks with utmost care to prevent jar or strain.
It was during September, 1916, that I first learned anything definite about Christian Science. I went to see a practitioner in a somewhat argumentative and critical mood, and was told I was not ready for Christian Science treatment. About ten days later a hemorrhage occurred, and as the physicians had been able to do so little to help me during the previous four years, I determined somewhat in desperation to try Christian Science. My wife called the practitioner on the telephone, and absent treatment was given and prompt relief received. I was much astonished to be told to go downtown to the practitioner's office on the following morning, and did so with much fear and misgiving. After receiving treatment I expressed regret at not being able to drive to Long Beach that day, as my previous experience said it would be dangerous and impossible. Whereupon I was told I could go without fear, and that God's law was now governing. I drove this fifty miles without ill effect, and did not have to go to bed even for an hour on my return; and I do not remember any time spent in bed during the daytime for either fatigue or sickness from that day to this.
I was not entirely healed for several months; but with the help of the practitioner and persistent study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, I was entirely healed, every manifestation of the disease disappearing. At my first Christian Science treatment I was permanently and completely healed of the smoking habit of more than twenty years' standing, of constipation, rheumatism, and dyspepsia; and I am grateful that during the past nine years I have had many additional proofs that the Christ, Truth, protects, heals, and blesses.
