Since childhood I had always been considered frail and delicate and of a nervous and fearful temperament. To me it seemed that the very birds and animals were freer and happier, better clothed and equipped, than men. I searched diligently for a logical explanation of the complex conditions around me. asking God to lead me. At this time I was suffering from one of the worst forms of insomnia, which had lasted over twenty years, and which culminated in sciatica so severe that my life seemed unbearable. Belief in material means removed the pain, but left me a physical wreck with blood poisoning and insomnia worse than before.
Shortly after this the glorious message of Christian Science was brought to me. We had taken a cottage in the country for the summer months, and I had invited a friend to stay with me. I noticed that in the morning and in the evening my friend read the Bible. One day I asked her if she understood it. Her answer was that since she had had Mrs. Eddy's textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she understood the Bible and loved it. I had heard of Mrs. Eddy's teachings, and understood she said there was no sickness, but to me there seemed to be very little else; so I asked my friend to explain; and in a few words she told me of the allness of God—of His presence and power. These thoughts flooded my consciousness, and with deepest gratitude I realized that my prayer had been answered. During that evening my friend read to me from the textbook. That night I slept a peaceful, childlike sleep, and this was repeated the following night.
I felt so happy and joyous that I decided to go up to London at once to purchase these precious books. I had not been reading much for some time, owing to the difficulty I had had in seeing any printed matter, and when I opened my newly purchased Bible not one letter was visible to me. At first I was very much disappointed; then the thought came to me that this condition could be healed. In the light of my new discovery I saw clearly that what I needed above all was to perceive the power that was behind all creation. With this thought came almost audibly, "This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." I opened the Bible again and saw each word clearly; even the smallest print stood out, telling me of the presence of the allseeing God, infinite good. This to me was a wonderful demonstration. Many other healings came about, which would take too long to tell of. Insomnia was completely healed in a few months.
