At an early age I became acquainted with the textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, which had been given to my father. This book endeared itself to me because of the emblem on the cover, the cross and the crown, around which are the words, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons" (Matt. 10:8, Am. Stand. Ver.). However, I did not look inside the book until I was in my late teens and very much in need of physical healing.
I had been sick for over a year with inflammatory rheumatism and had been hospitalized for several months during that period. After I found that medical treatment gave me no aid, I asked for help in Christian Science. This help was very kindly given to me, and it was at this time that I commenced to read the textbook. I was greatly encouraged by one statement in particular, found on page 22, which reads, "If your endeavors are beset by fearful odds, and you receive no present reward, go not back to error, nor become a sluggard in the race."
The word "sluggard" stood out, and I knew that I could not go back to material means for help. The healing came gradually, and within a few months I was able to walk normally and without pain. Since that time I have relied on Christian Science for physical help although I did not become an earnest student until later when, through much unhappiness, I had a great desire to understand this Science better.
