Testimony of Healing October 29, 1910 Issue

Gratitude compels me to testify to what Christian Science...

Joseph R. Curl

Gratitude compels me to testify to what Christian Science has done for me. On April 13, 1909, I was to take part in a prize-speaking contest at college open only to seniors. I had written and submitted my oration several weeks previously, but on the Thursday preceding the event I suffered an attack of rheumatism, and for the four following days I was barely able to get out of bed, to dress myself, or to walk, without intense pain. My family tried to persuade me to have a physician, but I thought it was only an attack from which I should recover in a day or so, and refused medical treatment. On Sunday my uncle, who is a Scientist, called upon me and suggested that I see a Christian Science practitioner, but I refused to do this also. On Monday I was no better, and began to think that my ambition, which I had fostered during my previous years in college, to take part in this contest, was not to be realized, so I concluded to follow my uncle's advice. I went that morning to see a Christian Science practitioner. He gave me treatment that day, and I was almost healed. The second treatment, which I received on Tuesday, entirely healed me, so that on that evening, when I delivered my oration, I did not experience the slightest pain, nervousness, or excitement, which the fear of contest usually creates.

At this time I had been wearing glasses for five years. The oculist who had prescribed them told me I should probably need to wear them all my life. When, however, I went to the Christian Science practitioner to be treated for the rheumatism, the latter suggested that I have my eyes treated at the same time. I readily consented and took off my glasses, and have not worn them since—not even when studying for examinations or when reading at night.

To show that Christian Science is not only a help in sickness, but is of practical value in all work, I modestly mention that it enabled me to win the second prize in the speaking contest. The practitioner told me to go into the contest with no thought of winning a prize, with no thought of trying to outdo the other contestants, but with only the idea of making a perfect speech. I endeavored to follow this advice, and sincerely feel that I owe my success to this ideal of Christian Science—perfection. I know that any person who desires help, whether in business, sickness, or anything else, will find it in Christian Science.

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