For five years I suffered from lung trouble, which at the end of this time was called tuberculosis. The medicine I had taken, a water-cure, sun baths, and my sojourn in a sanitarium had been of no avail. To this was added in the fifth year a kidney disease for which I was to be operated on. I could no longer walk, and either had to lie down or sit in a chair propped up by two pillows. I was desperate. At this time, in the darkest hour of my life, God sent me some Christian Science Heralds. A fortnight later the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, was given to me. I began to study it, and soon learned to recognize that its teaching reveals the truth about God and man. I no longer shed tears of sorrow, but tears of joy. I was no longer sad because the beautiful sun in which I had bathed my body so often did not cure me; for the real light, the sunshine of Truth, had dispersed the darkness, and lung and kidney trouble had vanished. Five weeks later I sat in a factory and worked, without feeling any sense of pain whatever; whereas for five years previous I had been quite unable to work.
I had had no return of my old complaint, and was enjoying the sunny hours that Christian Science had given me, when one morning, a year later, as I sat at my work, suddenly I was filled with alarm, and fear overwhelmed me. Soon afterwards I was attacked with the severe pain in my back from which I had suffered formerly. I could not realize the truth at once, but when I arrived home I read in the textbook; and that same evening I was free. Since then four more years have passed, and Christian Science has been my best friend, and my help during this time. Besides this, I have had numerous other proofs of God's presence. I was healed instantaneously of tonsillitis with dysphagia, acute toothache, indisposition, exhaustion, and of an inflamed, swollen finger, when I realized that "there is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter" (Science and Health, p. 468). About a year ago I commenced to study English, so that later I might be able to read those Christian Science writings which are printed in English only.
For all these experiences I am sincerely grateful to God, as well as to our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, who has so clearly revealed the wonderful healing truth in her works. I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to two members of The Mother Church who often lovingly pointed out the way to me.— Burgstädt, Saxony, Germany.
