Testimony of Healing December 20, 1941 Issue

In the year 1918, during the World War, when I was a...

Charles C.Rutson

In the year 1918, during the World War, when I was a soldier at one of the United States camps, a Christian Science worker presented Science to me in the form of a gift copy of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I was not ready for it then, and only read a line or two here and there. The seed was planted, however, although it was not until 1924, when I reached the "extremity" which was "God's opportunity," that it took root in my consciousness.

By indulging in heavy drinking, gambling, smoking, and many other vices, I had reached the depths of despondency and despair, and I had an unceasing desire to end it all. I thought that this could be done by committing suicide, but I had a horrible fear of death. Torturing questions would constantly come to me day and night: "What are you here for? Why do you exist? What is it all about?"

One night, while I was under the influence of liquor and aimlessly wandering around the streets trying to get up nerve enough to commit suicide, I walked into a lighted edifice where a lot of people were entering. During the course of the evening, when I learned it was some sort of religious gathering, I did not like it so well, but reasoned it out with myself that it might be better to stay rather than to walk out alone. I heard several people speak of being healed of sickness and other things, but though it did not apparently make any impression, and I seemed to forget all about it during the rest of the week, the following Sunday evening found me in the same edifice with a much clearer thought, because I was not under the influence of liquor this time. The edifice was, of course, that of a branch Church of Christ, Scientist.

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