Testimony of Healing October 23, 1902 Issue

I was quite dissipated, a slave to drink, and had not...

W. V. B.

I was quite dissipated, a slave to drink, and had not seen a certain former friend for years, when a business trip called me to Detroit, and out of old-time remembrances, rather than affection, I called at his place of business. He invited me to tea that night, and I there first learned from him, who had been my boyhood friend, of the Christ-truth of Christian Science. I shall never forget the feelings that took possession of me at the sight of this old friend, who had also shared my dissipation and sin, in days past, now bowed in silent prayer for me to a God whom I had never known. The flood of light that came with those moments of prayer can only be known to one who, in the prime of manhood, had been led to lay aside all manly hopes and say, "I am a slave to rum." To be able, as one who had bowed to persecution for years, suddenly to feel the power of a giant; to arise and shake off. like a worn-out garment, the habit of years; this can be felt and understood only by one similarly situated. It can never be described. That wonderful experience came to me nearly three years ago; and never since receiving this one treatment has a desire to drink come back, while blessings great and multiplied have poured into my heart and home, until at times I have felt like covering my face and saying, "I am not worthy."

I have never ceased to thank God. and have spread in my poor way, the knowledge of His truth; but at times there have come doubts, from where, I know not, nor do I care, for each one has left me with clearer vision and happier heart than before.

About ten days ago, there came from the business corner of error's Pandora box a gloom so settled, so impenetrable, that not a gleam of light came to me. God seemed to have gone out of my life, and only those who have felt His love can feel that gloom. It was not twilight; it was black ness. I tried to shake it off, but physical troubles came also, and I decided to take a trip. The night before I left, there came a letter from another Scientist friend which I had put in my pocket and which I quite forgot during the first day of our travel. I was wretched, not so much physically as mentally, and about dark I chanced to put my hand in my pocket and pulled out this letter, and as I commenced to read, my eyes rested on these words: "And it was to destroy the works of the devil that the son of God was manifested." That letter did the work (or rather the truth in it), and across the troubled waters came again Christ's voice, saying: "Peace, be still." Life again thrilled with joy, "and he that was dead came forth." To-day I am free, and with my freedom come higher thoughts of the great possibilities of a daily co-operation with him who loved me and gave himself for me.

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