Testimony of Healing January 1, 1916 Issue

My first experience with Christian Science was when I...

Ray H. Cozzens

My first experience with Christian Science was when I was instantaneously healed of a type of malarial fever contracted in Mexico, from which I had suffered for over a year. The fever had grown so bad that I was forced to leave the country, and the doctors could not relieve me. The last attack came on an extremely hot day in an Arizona summer. My wife had become interested in Christian Science as the result of her knowledge of the cure of a woman who had been given by her doctor but a few hours to live. I consented to try it, and my wife telephoned to a Christian Science practitioner. Treatment was given, and I soon fell asleep. Early the next morning I awoke full of vigor, and life seemed worth while. The cure was instant and complete. The chills and fever, which had attacked me twice monthly, never returned, and in six months I gained greatly in weight. That was over five years ago.

At first I tried to learn something of Christian Science, but soon through the lethargy of mortal mind, so called, I decided that it was too deep for me. With returning health my habits grew worse, particularly with regard to drink, and a year later saw me in another state at the end of my financial rope. My wife had kept up her interest in Christian Science and persuaded me to ask for treatment. This I did, and was soon able to leave that place for a new start. I tried to study for a while and made some progress in Science, attending church quite regularly. Then too I was smoking heavily, as had been my habit since boyhood. While under treatment for another trouble, the practitioner asked me about the smoking and I told her I did not care to stop; but in a day or so I had to leave my office and go home, I was so ill. I did not know what ailed me, but when a friend offered me something to smoke I discovered that I detested even the thought of tobacco.

My affairs prospered, and soon I was again drawn away from my interest in Christian Science. One night I was curious to know how a cigarette would taste. Everything rebelled against my touching it, but I was wilful. I also tried to drink some liquor. Immediately after I had done it I was sorry. That was the beginning of another backsliding. This period extended over another year, and I was helpless on my bed when I again turned to God for aid. I doubted my right to God's help, knowing nothing then of what Christian Science really teaches, and so employed a physician, who did everything possible for me. Finally, all aid failing and my financial resources being exhausted, my wife prevailed upon me again to call a Christian Science practitioner. I knew he could help me. He came on a Monday, and on the following Wednesday I went on a street-car to his office several miles away. I had not walked for months except on crutches, but I made this trip unaided.

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