When Christian Science was first presented to me in 1907, I had no inclination to study it, although I was in need of greater physical strength. However, a number of years later I was ready to accept the truth taught by Mary Baker Eddy in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Experiences of adversity, including loss and sorrow, had humbled me enough to make me receptive to Christian Science, and it was presented to me in an extraordinary manner.
While in a southern city I was suffering from a serious injury to my knee. The doctor who had taken an X ray and diagnosed the condition as a compound fracture recommended an operation. While returning from his office I sat on a bench and contemplated this dismal prospect. I noticed at my feet a scrap of paper, and when I examined it I saw that on it was written a quotation from Science and Health. It read (p. 406), "Resist evil—error of every sort—and it will flee from you." This statement gave me the first inkling I had had that I could exercise some degree of control over my own situation. With the words of the quotation remaining in my consciousness, I returned to my home, which was in another state.
Upon my return, I immediately visited a neighbor who was a student of Christian Science. She kindly offered to help me, and she procured the Christian Science textbook for me. I began to study diligently and continued to do so until the mental surgery of Christian Science was completed. The healing was manifested in full freedom of the knee and has remained permanent.
