It is about six years since I was led, in a most wonderful way, to hear of Christian Science as a remedy for physical ills. I had been treated by several doctors, and although all were most kind and attentive, I still remained weak and ill. Rheumatism, indigestion, constipation, and constant chills and headaches kept me down continually. Eventually a specialist, after helping me for about two years, said that nothing but a long rest in the open air could help me. I spent almost six months at the coast and in the country, getting the best of treatment and attention, for which I was most grateful, but when I returned to my work feeling no better, I was so disappointed and miserable that I decided to accept an invitation to attend a Christian Science testimony meeting in this town.
I was greatly impressed by the testimonies, and that night I decided to try Christian Science. Anything would be better, I thought, than the constant weakness and unfitness for work; and I had to earn my living. I took two steps the next day: I canceled my appointment with the specialist, and I poured out my medicine. While dressing that morning, I was wondering what Christian Science really was, when I distinctly heard the words, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." This was balm to me, because I knew first of all that I heard this without the ear; and also I was glad it was pure Scripture. I was greatly comforted during the first two hours while I tried to put this wonderful message into practice; but later I heard again the voice, saying, "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might." I then started doing my work as if for God, and soon found myself enjoying it and forgetting self. Seemingly gradual was the gentle rising of thought until, after an unusually busy day, it dawned on me that I was quite well, and, what was better, I was perfectly joyous. That day ended the rheumatism, constipation, headaches, chills, and general weakness, but, better than all else, that day renewed my acquaintance with God.
I had been a most zealous Sunday school teacher in an orthodox church and had found great happiness there, but I had got into such darkness that I had lost all hope, and for about fifteen years I went on thinking I had committed the unpardonable sin; and although I applied for help to ministers and Christian friends, it remained for Christian Science to show me the way out.
