In my early girlhood I was a member of an orthodox church and took an active part in all of its activities, giving my wholehearted service. But I always felt that this church, as well as others I knew of, was not fulfilling its duty when it made no provision for the healing of the sick.
When I married, I left the large city in which I had been living and located in a small town, where two of our children were born under extremely dangerous conditions. The children had many illnesses, and the advice of doctors was constantly sought, until finally I made up my mind to find out something about Christian Science. Very soon after that a Christian Scientist came to visit in our town, and I was able to get in touch with her. After several talks she gave me a copy of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, which I read and reread many times. I had to keep the book out of sight, however, as my relatives and family were opposed to what they thought Christian Science was and troubled because I was interested in its teachings.
Then there came a time when I had to take a definite stand. I had a very severe breakdown, and to quiet the fears of my family I consulted a doctor. He told me that the large colon in my abdomen had fallen and that unless an operation was performed I would never be well again, but might be an invalid for many years. I refused to consent to this operation and went home, knowing that this was the end of my attempts to find health through material methods. I threw away all medicine and began to study Christian Science diligently. I knew no practitioner, there was no Christian Science branch church near us at that time, and I seemed to be working alone.
