When I first heard of Christian Science I was suffering from a severe breakdown, due to overstudy and strain, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to continue my work. The kindly efforts of doctors had failed to help me. My right eye had become paralyzed, and the verdict of a specialist condemned me to future blindness, because the other eye was already affected.
While in this state I was told there was a new religion called Christian Science, and that it claimed to heal. On a visit to the north of England, I went with a friend to a service held by a small gathering of Scientists. There I decided to ask the First Reader about Christian Science, and if I could be healed by it in spite of my determination to have nothing to do with it as a religion. Her reply arrested me. She said that Christian Science would not mind whether I had anything to do with it or not, but that if I would daily read the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, she would help me. I answered that this task was physically impossible for me. She asked my friend to read to me, and then, because I was still somewhat unwilling, she put it to me that I had followed doctors' wishes by taking their medicine— could I not make an effort to follow her wishes? This appealed to my sense of logic, and I agreed. In less than a fortnight I was able to read Science and Health for myself with no inconvenience. The healing has been permanent, for from that time I have been engaged in work necessitating continual study and use of my eyes.
During the years following I have had many other healings, some of which I have been able to accomplish by my own understanding, and others for which I have had help. Sciatica of twelve years' standing was completely healed in one week, and has never returned. Heavy colds and bilious attacks have become infrequent, although I used to have them almost continuously throughout each winter. I am grateful for these healings, which have given me greater freedom, but I am more grateful that fear, impatience, and restlessness have been replaced by peace of mind.
