Before becoming interested in Christian Science, I had reached a stage of cynicism and agnosticism. I had been reared in an orthodox church, but, being dissatisfied with its teachings, I went to many other orthodox churches, then delved into the study of human philosophies, unity, theosophy, occultism, and socalled metaphysics, and took special courses in psychology, only to find "confusion worse confounded." While I was in this unhappy state of thought, a kind neighbor invited me to attend a lecture on Christian Science. I did so, and had the joyous surprise of finding that it seemed reasonable. I did not begin the serious and profitable study of Christian Science until almost two years later, when I was in the midst of many trying experiences.
Early in my study of this wonderful religion, my younger daughter was healed of malnutrition, and of a severe case of pneumonia within three days. This seemed miraculous to me, for prior to my marriage I had been an instructor of medical nursing. The latter-named condition of the child would, no doubt, have received the verdict "hopeless" under materia medica.
The elder daughter fell, while playing on some steps, and received a severe injury to her arm with all symptoms of a broken bone. She was soon relieved of the severe pain through our knowing the truth. A Christian Scientist told me to have the bone set and leave the healing to God. I reluctantly took her to a surgeon, who said the swelling was so bad that he did not want to touch it, and that I should keep hot applications on it and return the next day. I felt relieved, and did nothing for the arm except to know the all-powerful truth. We did not return to the doctor's office. The accident occurred on a Thursday, and on the following Sunday, after Sunday school, the child removed the sling and supported the helpless right arm with the left hand. Contrary to many predictions, she continued to improve, and in two weeks, when school began, she was able to write and do all that was required of her. A week later she began piano lessons, and very soon played on the playground equipment, often supporting all her weight with the arm.
