Testimony of Healing August 29, 1908 Issue

This testimony is given with the desire that it may help...

Clyde L. Warren

This testimony is given with the desire that it may help others as I have been helped through reading "Fruitage" in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and also by the testimonies given in the Sentinel and Journal. It was in the early nineties that I first heard about Christian Science. I was in Chicago, and with my mother was invited to attend the services then held in the Auditorium. Going in prejudiced, I came out much stirred because of having seen a woman in the pulpit, and I remember well how I criticised the author of the text-book. In 1896 I had the opportunity to see—"before and after"—the case of a gentleman who was healed of an eruptive disease by Christian Science treatment. I then resolved never again to criticise the Scientists or their methods, but in 1899, while in the South, I listened to a prominent minister who gave a series of lectures against Christian Science and its Leader. I remember, however, that it struck me as being a one-sided debate, and I was somewhat disgusted, for I believed in fair play. This was my third experience, but not until two years ago last spring did I come to realize what "gratitude" and "joy" mean.

While away from home on business I was stricken with a severe illness. My wife hastened to me, and both she and my mother advised me to have Christian Science treatment. I then thought it good only for women and children, and even then only for nervous diseases. I so expressed myself rather forcibly, but finally yielded, saying that it could not hurt me, for I thought I knew that much. A practitioner was called, and I asked him to treat me for stomach trouble as well as the acute ailment, as I was then much below my normal weight. I also used tobacco, and since 1895 had worn glasses to relieve my eyes. One treatment in Christian Science healed me, and I found two weeks later that I no longer craved tobacco. When, six weeks later, I discovered, while briefing in my office late one night, that I was not using my glasses, my joy may be imagined. I have since come to appreciate what noble and self-sacrificing work Mrs. Eddy, the one whom I had so foolishly criticised, was then and is now doing.

The reflection of the one Mind is manifested through our Leader by her pure life and the masterly way in which she has given this truth to all mankind, even as it is written: "I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world;" and thus the truth is gradually being unfolded to us. The greatest reward, the spiritual blessing, is ours, because of living in this day and generation, having in our midst harbingers of Truth who are uprooting prejudice and preparing the field for the harvest. I am very grateful for the Publication Committee and its work in answering unjust criticisms through its able corps of assistants. Often these articles have toned me up when I most needed toning. I have an added reason for gratitude in that my wife is also active in Christian Science work. In Christian Science I have been convinced of the feasibility of an actual, practical, and demonstrable Christianity.

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