Testimony of Healing March 25, 1916 Issue

I consider it a duty as well as a great privilege to testify...

Arthur H. Owen with contributions from Ada C. Owen

I consider it a duty as well as a great privilege to testify to the healing and regenerating influence of Christian Science. When I began its study I was a discontented and unhappy man. From close association with dangerous prisoners (being in the jail service), over whom I had to exercise control, I gradually acquired the habit of ruling by fear instead of by love. Inured to scenes of crime, also executions, and ever on the alert to defend myself against attack from those who held life so lightly, I developed a mental condition by no means enviable from a Christian Science standpoint.

Although I endeavored to be honorable in all my actions, yet I held such peculiar views of duty and honor that I spared neither myself, my family, nor any one else, high or low, who failed to measure up to my miserable standard, and few there were who escaped my criticisms. I was indeed a hard master, a domineering husband, an overexacting parent, and I had few real friends. To these traits were added a brooding disposition and an ungovernable temper. Every day would see me in a state of violent anger about even trifling things, while the nights witnessed to my remorse, mingled with prayers and resolutions to lead a better life. The following day, however, was only a repetition of the previous one. I fully realized that I was very wrong in all my thoughts and actions; but I could not help myself to get right, though I used to pray earnestly to God to guide me in the right way. Although my services were always commended by the authorities, yet I had a great craving for a higher life, a life "hid with Christ in God."

It was at this stage that a friend handed me a copy of the Journal to read and criticize. Before I had read half of it I felt arrested, like St. Paul. My eyes were opened to the real cause of my errors, and there and then I realized that there was no necessity for me to continue in wretchedness, for it was more or less self-imposed and caused by erroneous belief. The truth gradually dawned on me that as a child of God I was not subject to the bondage of sinful beliefs, but that my heritage was peace, joy, health, harmony, and immortality. I may mention that while reading the Journal and awaiting the receipt of the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, for which I had sent, I was healed of the smoking habit, to which I had been addicted for thirty-four years.

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