Testimony of Healing May 25, 1912 Issue

With heartfelt gratitude for many blessings received in...

Matthew H. Olthause

With heartfelt gratitude for many blessings received in Christian Science, I commit the following lines to those who may be burdened by sin, disease, poverty, hatred, sensitiveness, or anything outside of harmony, and who are honestly striving to rid themselves of these seeming realities.

A little over a year ago I was sitting in a small room, seriously thinking over my situation, which was indeed very depressing, for I had no one who cared for me or to whom I could have told my troubles, which were very many. My bodily ailments were many, including stomach and bowel disorder, kidney disease, severe headaches, and a very bad case of heart trouble. That which made my life most miserable, however, was sensitiveness or fear, which barred me absolutely from the kind of people that I wished to be associated with. Many efforts had been made to overcome this, but always in vain. To drown this trouble I would indulge in strong drink, cigars, or drugs. I was reminded of my previous life, which had been spent in sensual pleasures; and what had it brought me?

As thought traveled back to my childhood days the story of the prodigal son came before my eyes and a strong desire took hold of me to know something better than the life I had lived, if it was attainable, whatsoever the sacrifice needed to do this. This desire was carried with me the next day, and I nourished it for about two weeks, when the thought came to me to advertise for a room in a private family. Self-condemnation whispered that I did not belong in such a place; but on the other side was the desire to be better. An advertisement was inserted and from the answers I received I chose one which seemed the cleanest place and the people kind. After being there about one week I accidentally picked up a copy of the Sentinel, for it happened to be the home of a Christian Scientist. After reading one of the articles in it a veil fell from my eyes, for it answered all the questions which were hourly occupying my mind, and only one who has had a similar experience can picture the joy and peace which came to my longing and hungry heart. Never having heard of Christian Science before, I at once inquired about it. It was lovingly explained to me and Science and Health and other writings of our dear Leader were put at my disposal. The next Sunday I was taken to Second Church of Christ, Scientist, and there the heart received its right nourishment. Never will I forget this occasion, for loving kindness was shown me on all sides and every one seemed so happy because others were so. This clearly shows that every sincere desire is helped, sustained, and directed by divine Love. My thought had connected itself with the current which flows from our Father-Mother God, although I had never before thought of this divine Being as of any help to me; but my desire was honest, and here was its reward.

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