Christian Science was in my mother's family, and I read the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, to a dear one on many occasions. I did not realize I needed this truth until years later when one of the South's most prominent doctors, having failed to restore my health, asked me if I had ever heard of Christian Science. I was somewhat disturbed at such a question from a medical man, but admitted that I had. He then advised me to take up the study of this truth. He showed me his copy of the Christian Science textbook and stated that as soon as he saw his way clear, he was going to give up his practice and devote his time to the study of this Science.
I did not take this doctor's advice until later, when I became quite ill. We had moved to another city, where additional attempts to obtain relief through medical science failed. At this point I learned that my next-door neighbor was a Christian Scientist, and I asked her help in locating a Christian Science practitioner, who did some work for me. I got relief, in fact, almost a complete healing; but like many others I was seeking the loaves and fishes— just to be able to live and do as I wished.
I went blindly on my own way, living materially, until suddenly I found myself in a worse condition than before. This time the healing was slow, for there was work for me to do. It took years before I really felt I was healed—years of study, prayer, and expressions of gratitude.
