In early childhood I was pronounced a sickly child by our family physician, who lovingly did all he could for me. A relapse after measles was believed to cause hemorrhages of the lungs. And in my teens I had a fall which was believed by many doctors to be the cause of other complications. I was left alone in the world to make my own living. I managed to learn a trade, but on account of illness was unable to work. I cried in my misery, "Oh, what have I done to be punished in this way?" I had always tried to live a Christian life, and was a member of an orthodox church; but I could not understand the Bible, and shed many tears. I was told that if I did not leave the climate I was in I could not live. I weighed ninety-seven pounds, was wearing glasses and taking every new medicine I heard of, but grew worse. I learned a new trade and traveled, staying in cool places in summer and warm in winter; but I became worse physically, and more discouraged. The doctors did not agree as to the cause of my suffering and told me "dope" was my only hope for relief from the pain, which was constantly with me day and night.
When at the point of desperation, I remembered attending a Christian Science meeting years before and being told that these people healed the sick. In a strange southern city I was compelled to give up work and go to bed with what a specialist pronounced appendicitis. I was put on liquid diet for two weeks, preparing for an operation—and daily growing weaker. The doctor told me frankly that I was too weak to undergo an operation. Then it was that I turned in desperation to Christian Science, and was instantaneously healed. Oh, the joy of freedom from pain! In all my life I had had very few moments of such freedom. The gentle practitioner did her work beautifully, and in answering my questions referred me to the Christian Science literature. Even after my healing I seemed ungrateful, for I thought the sickness could come back. I however went to work a new woman; and to-day I do not regret my experience, bitter though it was; for through it I was led to the truth.
After years of growth in the study of Christian Science I have experienced many joys. I am grateful for membership in The Mother Church and in a branch church; grateful for Mrs. Eddy's definition of "Church" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583). I am grateful also for a small understanding of what God is; grateful for the mission of Christ Jesus,, and grateful to our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, for her life-work in giving to the world the truth about man's relationship to God. There is not a problem in the home or in business that cannot be worked out in Christian Science; and when we fail, it is a joy to know that our faithful practitioners, who devote their lives to this work, are lovingly glad and ready to point the way for us, teaching us more of the fatherhood and motherhood of God.— Santa Ana, California.
