Testimony of Healing May 4, 1912 Issue

I feel that I should make a public expression of the...

Charles H. Holmes

I feel that I should make a public expression of the benefits I have received in Christian Science. During the year 1906 my vision became impaired on account of cataracts. After four operations and treatment by the best oculists in the state I became totally blind in both eyes. I had known of Christian Science for some years, and it had appealed to me from an intellectual standpoint, but I had not the courage to take a firm stand until forced by this, the most terrible misfortune that can befall a man. I sought the aid of a practitioner and after a month's treatment was enabled to resume my occupation, which was extremely hazardous (wire drawing), although my sight was far from perfect. I however continued to read and study Science and Health as best I could, but at the end of four months I was again facing the same condition. I sought the same practitioner, and at the end of two months a different one took the case, but after one month's treatment I was still blind. After leaving the last practitioner my first intention was to end it all. I left the home of the practitioner with this intention, and finding my way home, a copy of Science and Health lay upon the table. I picked it up, and opening it curiously I held the book in the sunlight. I was enabled, though painfully, to make out letter by letter the following passage: "If Christian Scientists ever fail to receive aid from other Scientists,—their brethren upon whom they may call,—God will still guide them into the right use of temporary and eternal means. Step by step will those who trust Him find that 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble'" (p. 444). After finishing this, I turned to page 67, began at line 4, and read to the end of the paragraph. It consumed nearly the entire day to complete the quotations cited, and by the time I had finished, twilight had fallen. I persuaded my wife, who was greatly opposed to Christian Science, to read, but I did not improve rapidly. After a month and a half of painful, persistent effort, reading days when the sunlight was strong, I decided to resume my work at the mill. All the employees, my fellow workmen, had concluded that I would never work there any more. How I managed those first few weeks to hold my own, being observed by a hundred or more workmen, is simply another proof of God's protecting power. Gradually my sight improved, but there were days when I thought it would be impossible for me to get through them.

It has now been over three years and I have never lost a day on account of sickness of any kind. My financial condition has also improved and my hopes are far brighter than ever before. I have a firm trust that God is able to lead me into that freedom and liberty accorded to those who love and obey Him.—Charles H. Holmes, Portland, Col.

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