Several years ago I bought a copy of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and endeavored to study it. I was in good health at the time, and did not become interested in its teachings, as they were not understood by me; so the book was set aside.
Three years later found me in a sanitarium with what the doctors called tuberculosis in such an advanced stage that they were unable to complete their physical examination of me. Several months passed with no improvement, during which I saw much evidence of the fact that medical means were not saving the patients. Toward the end oftentimes the doctors would admit that they had done all. that was possible, and that the case now rested with God as to whether or not the patient would recover.
At this time, having received some Christian Science literature from a friend, I read it and also started to read the Bible and Science and Health. At first I read only for an hour a day, as I was confined to bed and had worn glasses for many years. It was not long, however, until I had read the book several times; but although I felt better, very little physical progress had been made. On page 420 of the textbook Mrs. Eddy says, "If students do not readily heal themselves, they should early call an experienced Christian Scientist to aid them." Several times after reading this I would be puzzled as to whether or not I should ask for help; but finally I applied to a practitioner for assistance, with the result that amazingly soon many verses from the Bible, and also sentences from the textbook, brought me a sense of hope, faith, and peace that had heretofore been lacking, enabling me within three months after asking for help, to leave the sanitarium. Previous to this time I had set my glasses aside, and was able to read all day without any ill effect on my eyes.
