Since childhood I had suffered from a weak stomach,...

ALBERT DOEPKENS

Since childhood I had suffered from a weak stomach, which, as I grew older and was obliged to meet the duties of this life, became constantly worse. I was often obliged to remain at home from work on account of stomach cramps, headaches, and dizzy spells; and when the spells had passed I still did not feel well, and work became a burden to me. I was almost constantly constipated. I took home remedies, but they did not help me. Then I was under the care of two physicians, at different times. As no improvement was noticeable, I again resorted to home remedies. Electricity was afterwards tried, but without avail. I was to suffer still more, for I became ill with influenza. When this was overcome, my stomach was worse than before. For twenty years I had been on a diet, which I made even more strict, eating very little. I was able to do very little work, and did not seek help from God. Although I had had a very good religious education in my youth, I did not want to believe in a God who punishes. I searched in books on natural science for proofs that there is no God, so as to convince myself that my suffering would at least end with death.

One day, while in this mental state, I found in my tenement, while in search of books, a copy of Der Herold der Christian Science, which a neighbor had left when moving. I knew nothing about Christian Science; in fact, until then I had never heard or read of it. I opened the periodical and noticed something about Principle, divine Love, which heals the sick. This attracted my attention, for I had never heard of such a God. Now I continued reading. When I had finished I entertained hope that I, too, could be helped; so I purchased the Bible, also "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I was determined to convince myself of the divine power. I gave up dieting, took no more medicine, and depended only upon God. To my great joy I discovered that I was able to eat anything without experiencing discomfort. It is now two years and a half since I took medicine for the stomach trouble. I am very grateful to God for this healing, but more so for the spiritual knowledge which has made me better.

Difficulties which formerly seemed insurmountable have been overcome through the understanding of the truth, and in the degree in which I learn to understand the truth, I discard other difficulties. I am now much happier and more satisfied than formerly.

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