About two and a half years ago, finding myself on the brink of what seemed imminent catastrophe, I applied to a Christian Scientist for aid,—one whose beautiful life, although I little understood it, and unswerving courage had compelled my respect.
She insisted upon my buying and reading the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which I did during my treatment. The need was met and I went my way. Instead of adhering faithfully to Christian Science, I discontinued reading and took up my old course.
In a few months I seemed fairly engulfed in error. Ashamed to apply to the Scientist, I took Mental Science treatment, continually growing worse, until the practitioner recommended my return to materia medica, which I did for a season; but all faith in it having been destroyed no effect was apparent.
Once more I took Christian Science treatment, my mind torn with doubts and antagonisms. These, and opposition from friends, seemed to prevail and again I dropped it.
The thought of change of scene, occupation, and association being held, I went to Louisville, Ky., and with a last effort of human will took up the study of shorthand and kept it up a month. At the end of this time the fear of insanity had become so terrible that nearly all power of thought was lost. I again consulted a physician, who very gently and kindly depicted many horrors to my disturbed thought, an operation, etc.
At last, in utter despair, I found myself, I know not how, in the Christian Science reading rooms of Louisville, and fairly pelted the ladies in attendance with questions. Then and there all doubt and antagonism toward the Truth was destroyed. This was Saturday; the next day I attended the Christian Science Church services; after this took three weeks' treatment, when my healer said to me, "You can do your own work now."
Since then the fight has many times seemed hard; a few times I have had to call for help. It has been a slow but steady growth, each day bringing evidence of physical and spiritual healing, until I am well, with a spiritual outlook I could not before conceive; and have been enabled to help others, through my slight understanding of this Truth.
Hamburg, la.
