Testimony of Healing October 9, 1909 Issue

I have received many benefits through the study of the...

Arthur H. Thomas

I have received many benefits through the study of the Christian Science text book, and I have come to the point where I must voice my gratitude or be self-condemned. When I took up the study of Christian Science it seemed to me that it was spiritual peace I was looking for, not physical healing. I have always been an independent thinker, one who believed most implicitly in God—His goodness, mercy, love, justice, and greatness—but who could not honestly say anything else of Him. I joined a church when I was sixteen, and found enjoyment in its work for about ten years. After that time I became repelled by the difference between theory and practice, and declared that I would not darken the doors of any church which did not show a practical religion. I went to the woods, fields, rivers, and mountains on Sundays, and tried to find God there. He evidently was, but so much that was unlike Him was also apparently there, that in despair I gave up trying to find Him.

Some three years ago a loving friend pointed me to the way in which a demonstrable religion could be found. I had been searching so long, and so barren had been the results of the search, that I could not believe it. I was, however, loaned some of the periodicals, attended a lecture or so, and eventually borrowed an old copy of the text book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. At last it dawned on me that I had found a religion which could be lived, and I lost no time in joining one of the branch churches. Although I was not looking for any material conditions to be corrected, I was relieved of a sprained ankle, and was protected when exposed to every chance of a severe electric burn. What gives me most joy, however, is the fact that my temperament has changed and is still changing. To nearly every one I seemed a sour, stern, and unlovable man. Now the outlook has so changed that I find I cannot help loving every one. It is a great relief to know that "Love is reflected in love" (Science and Health, p. 17), and to see love reflected all around me.

Words cannot express my appreciation of the loving kindness shown me by the various Scientists whom I have met, and nothing can portray the gratitude I feel toward God and toward Mrs. Eddy for giving men a religion that is real and understandable. I have been able in a few cases to point the way to others, so that erroneous conditions have been successfully met and overcome, and the joy of these healings was worth more to me than anything that earth can give. The Bible has been illuminated to me, and thoughts which were an inexpressible jumble have been straightened out so that they are understandable. It is with the hope that some one who is searching blindly for the truth may be led to the God who is Love, that this testimonial is written.

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