About five years ago Christian Science was introduced to me by a friend who had been healed by it. At that time I was in dire distress, mentally and physically, having been for many months tortured by a nervous breakdown. This condition was a culmination of what appeared to have been gradually developing for several years. I had reached the stage when materia medica proved useless, and my faithful doctor had said he could do nothing further for me—that everything rested with myself. My whole outlook on life was becoming well-nigh hopeless. I lived entirely within and for myself, knowing no other way, always apprehensive lest some awful calamity might come upon me.
At this juncture my friend presented me with a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and having promised him I would do anything in the world to secure relief, I commenced to read diligently. At first I comprehended very little of Mrs. Eddy's teachings, although after reading the chapter on Prayer I gained confidence and had less fear. After about four months I felt perfectly free in mind and body, giving little heed to medical theories or the use of medicines. The smoking and alcohol habits had left me, leaving no desire behind; stomach and bowel troubles of many years' standing vanished, likewise gouty and other irritating tendencies. I discontinued the use of a surgical appliance which had hitherto been considered indispensable; my general temperament and disposition underwent a complete change, with less desire to dominate others;and I discontinued the use of glasses, which I had been unable to dispense with for over ten years. I was at this time controlling a large establishment employing many servants. Servant worries became a thing of the past, and it began to dawn upon me that Christian Science was translating me into a totally different atmosphere. In about a year, heart trouble manifested itself and I suffered many excruciatingly painful attacks daily, incapacitating me from work for the time being. My wife, who was not at that time well versed in Christian Science, called in a doctor, whose restrictions would have condemned me to invalidism for the short time that, with great care, he said I might be spared to live. The following day I consulted a Christian Science practitioner, and after the first treatment fear was almost destroyed. As the days went on the attacks became less frequent and less severe. After a few months they disappeared entirely and I was able to walk several miles and climb cliffs without undue fatigue.
My most fervent prayer is to learn how to express my deep gratitude to God, to Mrs. Eddy for her loving work; for the generous help lovingly tendered by practitioners; and for the Christian Science organization.— London, England.
