With a great sense of gratitude for the many years of health and protection that I have enjoyed since taking up the study of Christian Science, I write this testimony. Since I have derived such an abundance of good from reading the testimonies in the periodicals, I want to add mine that it may enable someone in need to find hope and understanding.
In 1920 I had a neighbor who was a Christian Scientist, and I listened to her stories of healings with reserve, thinking that they were too good to be true. As time went on we were without employment, in debt, and I was in ill-health, suffering from what the doctors called an abscessed tumor. There were three little ones to care for, and I was completely discouraged. A room had been reserved at the hospital, and within two weeks I was to undergo an operation. We moved to a new location and, knowing no one, I asked a neighbor if she could tell me of someone I could get to take care of home and children while I was away at the hospital. She suggested I try Christian Science treatment before going, saying that she had been healed just by reading "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, after having several unsuccessful operations.
I took the book she offered and began to read. I had been reading a short time when my son came home from school saying that he had been sent home because he had not felt well. That evening when I put the children to bed they were all feverish and ill, and I ran to the neighbor to see what should be done, for I did want to do the proper thing. She said she would come over and we would read Mrs. Eddy's writings, which we did until midnight. When she went home, while I was still fearful, the children were all sleeping quietly and comfortably. Although the children were up and about and did not seem ill, the health officer who called the next day placed us under quarantine for diphtheria.
