Testimony of Healing May 23, 1908 Issue

There was to be a Christian Science lecture in our town...

Florence B. Gorman

There was to be a Christian Science lecture in our town, and I decided, though in opposition to the advice of my family, to attend it. My curiosity had ofttimes previously been aroused by exaggerated statements concerning this new religious belief, from those who claimed to "know." Notwithstanding the fact that I was singularly free from prejudice (for it had always been my pet theory that each human being must work out his own salvation), I had two friends who were Scientists, but they were reticent, and, with that inexplicable hesitation shown by most people towards broaching the subject of religion, I had never touched upon theological differences with them. I was therefore glad to be able to hear something definite from an outside source, disagreement with which would bring no embarrassing results, so, when the lecturer came, I went to hear him. Calmly and dispassionately, but with convincing clearness, he presented the truth.

All my life I had sought the truth. Many times I had thought it drew near, but when I tried to grasp it, it eluded my touch and disappointment alone remained. This time, however, it met me halfway, and I no longer hesitated to seek my friends, that they might teach me about this wonderful Principle which underlies every problem of life. At last I knew there was a God! I not only believed it at spasmodic intervals, only to doubt again when some overwhelming sorrow came, as when I had in vain looked above for help; but now I knew it, because the God these dear people told me about was a God who is Love and not a God of vengeance. I drank in everything they had to say. Illuminating flashes of light showed me the way, leagues ahead, and I traveled as it were by leaps and bounds. I felt that I could work wonders, and the first demonstration I made, to my inexperience was little short of a miracle. My little boy had a nail driven in his foot to such a depth that force had to be used to withdraw it. The blood gushed in angry spurts and the pain was intense, but an immediate realization of the allness of God and the nothingness of matter overcame the trouble at once. Almost instantly the flow of blood was stanched, and the next morning only a tiny spot remained to show where the nail had entered. There was no soreness or swelling.

But, alas, after awhile the way seemed to grow harder. The light showed barriers that must be removed before I could pass that way. Some of these I had myself erected, piling them up stone by stone, with infinite care and labor. Tear them down? Impossible! But divine Love still showed the way, and with infinite patience waited until I could see the wisdom of Love's demands. Trials came, thick and fast,—tragedies that confused and bewildered by the unexpected suddenness of their swift descent. They but made the way grow brighter, for I had learned that they came not from God, therefore they were shorn of all power to do me harm, since all power belongs to God. Of course my human heart, shrank, torn and bleeding, from the terrible blows that fell, but the next step brought me into the arms of Love, and I hid there until Truth, my champion, had put to flight the phantom host. My way at any time has not been smooth. The bitterest opposition has met me at every turn, but I am clinging to Truth with all my strength. I would not give up if I could, and could not if I would.

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