Testimony of Healing November 13, 1909 Issue

In the spring of 1897 my attention was called to Christian Science...

Henry L. Upton

In the spring of 1897 my attention was called to Christian Science and a friend loaned me a copy of "Retrospection and Introspection" by Mrs. Eddy to read. I read the biographical sketch of the author as given therein, and thought it reasonable and true. I then read Science and Health without grasping the writer's meaning, but I gained an earnest desire to study and ponder it. When I commenced the second reading, I took up the study of the Bible, which I never wanted to read before, and as I pondered the great truths contained in these two books there was unfolded to me the simple logic of our dear Leader's teaching,—perfect God, perfect man, a perfect universe, and all error an illusion, simply a false sense. I at once began to attend the Christian Science services, and have never ceased to do so.

My early life was passed at a light station on a small island out at sea, where my chances for acquiring an education were very limited. When we moved to the mainland I found myself five years behind other boys of my age, but after becoming interested in Christian Science I was able to catch up with them. This blessed truth has been a greater educator of the right kind than all my schooling and teaching put together. It has wonderfully increased my power of discrimination; and given me greater ability for acquirement and application.

One of the first things I had to overcome was an ungovernable temper. One day, while our normal school team was playing baseball with another team, in sliding to third base I knocked the third baseman's feet from under him, which angered him very much. He turned and struck at me, but I avoided the blow. In an instant a thought from that week's Lesson-Sermon came to me: "Christian Science reveals Truth and Love as the motive-powers of man" (Science and Health, p. 490). I was able to control myself and to realize the presence of divine Love. Both teams seized bats and were ready to take sides, but when I did not return the blow quiet was restored. This meant much to me and to the honor of the school. A special meeting of the members of the school faculty was held, resolutions were drawn up, and a vote of thanks was extended to me.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

For nine years I was a trained nurse