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.
Another healing which occurred early in my study and for which I am deeply grateful was that of sick headaches. I had been in bed about half a day when the thought came to me to get out of bed and go out into the garden. When I did so, I saw my neighbor. I told her I had been using a well-known herb to get relief from the headaches. She lovingly pointed out that this practice was a form of idolatry and was not in accord with the teachings of Christian Science. I accepted her offer of help, and there followed a clear vision of the Christ, Truth, such as I had never before experienced. An instantaneous healing resulted, and there has never been a return of the sick headaches.
A few days later I was healed of what the doctors had pronounced a tubercular condition of a bone in one of my arms. Another healing I had was that of nervous stomach trouble. I was afraid to eat, and when I did I suffered great pain. My husband read to me from the Bible (Matt. 4:4), "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." I began to praise God, and the fear left me. By knowing that what really nourished me was spiritual food, I ate without suffering.
More than thirty years ago I was left a widow in the midst of rebuilding and restoring our old homestead. With the help of Christian Science I was able to carry on in spite of problems of lack and past failures. Today I have a comfortable and harmonious home. My desire is to be faithful in my stand for this Science and all that it represents.— Wyandotte, Michigan.
