In England about thirty years ago there was an epidemic of what was called Russian influenza. I caught the trouble, and nearly passed on. Our family doctor told my wife that it would probably leave behind a periodical bronchial condition or asthma. From that time on I looked for this trouble to appear in the autumn and to hang on until spring, and was never disappointed.
About eight years ago I began the study of Christian Science. I had belonged to a so-called orthodox church from childhood, but was unsatisfied. I had been studying Christian Science for perhaps three months when I was sent to one of the state institutions about eighty miles from home to carry out certain work. Not long afterwards I had a severe attack of appendicitis. I was in bed at the time, and it was nearly midnight. I was worried, but thought, Now is the time to avail myself of Christian Science and prove if I am making progress. I was able to summon assistance; and a friend got in touch with my wife on the long distance telephone, and she, in turn, communicated with a Christian Science practitioner, who gave me absent treatment. My wife could not get to me until midnight of the following day. The officials at the institution were most attentive and kind, and had I desired I could have had the services of the physician who paid daily visits to the institution, and who was well known to me. Although to mortal sense in agony, I was enabled by God's help to hold on; and on the third day I was able to sit up in my room and do business, and the following day and onward to continue my usual business. I have had no return of the trouble, although I had been subject to slight attacks of it for years. I am very grateful for this, my first experience of Christian Science healing.
The influenza and bronchial affections vanished, without my seeming to know when, some time after I took up the study of Christian Science. For many years I was a chronic dyspeptic, but I have been free for years—this too through no specific treatment. From a business point of view I have also found great benefit in the study of Christian Science. When to mortal sense I could not see my way out, hard problems have been solved by right thinking.
