During the last eighteen years I have had so many manifestations of the healing efficacy of the truth as revealed in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, that I earnestly desire to express my joy and gratitude for these proofs of divine Love's ever present power. In the winter of 1909 it became necessary to resign from a position of piano instructor on account of nervous prostration and insomnia. Various physicians were consulted, electrical treatments tested, and many material remedies tried without results. Finally, hoping that a complete rest would bring relief, I went to visit friends in the country. I have never ceased to be grateful for the kindness experienced in this home. These friends had recently become interested in Christian Science, and that first evening they told me some of the truths about man, as God's spiritual idea. It seemed beautiful and reasonable; and the next day, declaring these new-found verities, I was surprised to have a tooth stop aching. At this time I could walk but little because of weakness, and it was difficult to digest simple food; while many consecutive sleepless hours had produced an abject terror of the night and of being alone.
I had access to the Christian Science literature, and had read but a few lines of our textbook when I came to the words, "Desire is prayer" (Science and Health, p. 1). and a great sense of peace welled up in me as I realized that we did not have to explain anything to God. Arrangements were made for a trip to a city, where help from a practitioner could be secured; and the result of this interview was an instantaneous illumination. I went in, all self-pity and tears, and came out full of hope and love. She told me to walk, do any reasonable thing, and eat what I pleased; and from that moment I found that I could do all of those things; but I could not sleep. On Wednesday evening a gentleman gave a testimony, and I remember the interest with which I listened to his healing of insomnia. Later, after I had mentioned that from a child I had never been able to ride on the train or a street car without feeling sick, this condition permanently disappeared, through a practitioner's treatment. After six weeks I returned home, and the following autumn took passage for the Philippines. Still, I did not sleep normally, but with continued treatment from a practitioner in Boston, while I was in the Philippines, this trouble too was overcome.
Since then, Christian Science has effectually overcome many physical disabilities, including influenza, ptomaine poisoning, compound fracture of the leg, dysentery, quinsy, as well as deep-seated resentment and fear. With the realization of the immeasurable gift of Christian Science to mankind has grown my love for Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and the only Leader of the Christian Science movement. — Washington, District of Columbia.
