Testimony of Healing October 21, 1905 Issue

When in Malta, at the beginning of last March, I first...

William H. Coomber

When in Malta, at the beginning of last March, I first heard of Christian Science. I was then in a weak state of health, having suffered from Mediterranean fever, accompanied by a disease of the knee, the preceding summer. I was an invalid for two months, but in September I was able to return to my duty. I still continued to take tonics, et cetera, but up to the time I first heard of Christian Science, I had not regained my health, and had become quite convinced that I could not do so until I returned to England. One day, however, Christian Science was brought to my notice through a messmate, who knew a lady at Malta that was a Christian Scientist. When he explained that Christian Science is the practical application of the teachings of Jesus, especially as regards the healing of the sick, I never for one moment doubted its truth. I had never understood the Bible, and until explained in Christian Science, Jesus' saying, "He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do," was absolutely puzzling to me. My messmate and I decided to send to London for the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and in a few days it arrived. I at first found it difficult to read, but gradually and surely I began to grasp its meaning. It was delightful to learn that sickness is unreal,—only an erring belief. I had always felt that if God is good, it was strange that His likeness should have to suffer sickness, and that there must be some reason why such was the case; but in Christian Science all is explained. Gradually I found my health improving, and I wish to state that the reading of Science and Health has been the sole means of complete restoration to health, and to-day I enjoy such health as I do not remember ever feeling before. From the very beginning I gave up all tonics and medicines, and have never used any since. For four months (with the exception of a few Journals) the only Christian Science literature I read was our text-book, and until I returned to England, in June last, I had never met a Christian Scientist. Shortly after my return, I visited the Reading Room of First Church of Christ, Scientist, in London, and there I was deeply and helpfully impressed by the wonderful kindness of all with whom I became acquainted, and I have learned to understand better what helps we can be to one another.

No words can ever express the debt of gratitude I owe for being brought into the knowledge of the truth. I am very thankful to God that through Mrs. Eddy the way has again been pointed out for mankind. It only remains for me to reflect divine Love in my life, and earnestly strive to obey Christ's commands—preach the gospel, heal the sick. The aid Christian Science has already been to me has far exceeded my highest hopes, and I know it will continue to do so increasingly. I little thought at first that there was much in its teaching beyond physical healing, but to be able to apply it to whatever one does is such a sweet comfort, to feel and to know that God is omnipresent to protect—"lest thou dash thy foot against a stone," —and to have the peace and happiness which pass all understanding, I scarcely thought possible in this life.

Two undesirable conditions I have noticeably lost, nervousness and fear, for which I am especially grateful. Truth has also overcome seasickness and several minor ailments. I should like to relate one incident which to me is a proof of the truth of Christian Science. I fell from the back of a horse, galloping at his topmost speed, without being hurt, except for some slight bruises which very soon disappeared. On the same occasion I was able to ride for the rest of the afternoon with little discomfort. My friend, who started to investigate Christian Science when I did, has accepted the truth, as did another messmate two months later. They also are deeply grateful.

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