For many years I suffered so greatly under the seeming...

Karl Schmid with contributions from Anna Schmid

For many years I suffered so greatly under the seeming power of sin and sickness that I was often near to despair. In spite of my earnest desire to be a better man, things went from bad to worse with me. My whole family suffered from my condition, and under its sway I not only lost my business positions, but also met with severe financial reverses. I was so unsteadied by these experiences that I became a habitual smoker and drinker.

In this time of deepest depression I looked to several Protestant churches for help, but in vain. Suddenly I fell ill with what a doctor called a severe attack of pneumonia, followed by complete nervous collapse. By direction of the government sick-fund authorities I was examined by about ten physicians, but they differed greatly in their opinions. However, the final outcome was that I was placed in a psychopathic hospital.

A few months before, my daughter had taken a position in a Christian Science family. Occasionally the lady of the house inquired of my daughter about her family affairs, and in view of what she learned she sent me a few Heralds to read. I read these without much interest and always laid them aside, for I had grown so discouraged that I had no further confidence in any help, and was thinking of committing suicide. In this frame of mind I turned to the Heralds again one day. This time great interest in their contents awoke in me. That very day I wrote for help to a Christian Science practitioner whose address I took from the Herald, and treatment was given me at once. It was made clear to me in several visits that God is Love and the one and ever present power, and that sin and sickness are errors which have not the slightest power. In proportion as I gained an understanding of Truth, my difficulties disappeared. Today I am well and happy again, and I am living once more with my family in the greatest harmony. In my case the words of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, have been fulfilled, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." I am free!