Testimony of Healing September 18, 1920 Issue

I had been studying the Bible more or less for many...

Ernest C. Schauffele

I had been studying the Bible more or less for many years and had attended churches of all denominations in an effort to find some one who could heal sin and disease as did Christ Jesus and his apostles, but their teaching and my little understanding of the Bible did not correspond. Then came a day when I stumbled on a man who was a Christian Scientist. He talked Science every chance he had, and I and my partner used to make fun of him, between ourselves; but the Christian Scientist had a habit of saying a few words to me once in a while and finally I resented it and said to him, "See here, I have investigated all the churches, and I want nothing to do with them." Then he said, "Why don't you investigate Christian Science; you can't lose anything." I said, "I am through." But somehow I could not forget what he had said, and I said to myself, He is right, I can't lose anything and I will try once more. So I went to a Christian Science church one Sunday morning, and as soon as I stepped inside of that church a feeling came over me which I cannot describe, it was so joyful and happy, and I said to myself, Here is what I have been looking for. The first thing I saw was Mrs. Eddy's words, "Divine Love alwayshas met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494). I went to work at once to procure Christian Science literature, and the more I read, the hungrier I got for it.

I was of a roving nature and for about three years I had the benefit of the churches and reading rooms; sometimes I had neither one. Then I had a desire to go to a place where I could go to church regularly and get all the Christian Science literature. I walked into that place before I knew it and without any effort on my part. I studied and learned fast but not to my satisfaction; then I had a chance to hear a lecture. The lecturer said in part, "You say you know and understand all these things, but do you do these things?" I did not hear any more of the lecture, for I could not forget these few words and they have been the bright star leading me onward and upward. Then I had a desire to find some one who was in prison as I had been, for I wanted to prove that I could be a worthy servant, and to my surprise the opportunity came very unexpectedly and I have been interested in that kind of work mostly since taking up Science.

I have lost many false beliefs. I thought my shoes or the sidewalk hurt my feet. The doctor said I must have an operation performed in the hospital to cure the bleeding piles. I suffered from pain in my back and was always tired. I had formed the liquor and tobacco habits and had a discontented disposition. I lost all of these and many more discordant beliefs by simply reading and studying the Bible and "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. The real joy and happiness I have gained is beyond measure. Money could not produce it; material loss is surely spiritual gain, and it is simple when one is willing to understand. I talk from experience. I thank God with all my heart, also Jesus the Christ, and Mary Baker Eddy, who has explained his teachings to us in the Christian Science textbook, so every one can easily understand it who will try. I am also very grateful to Mrs. Eddy for sacrificing her earthly all to serve mankind.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

I would like to express my gratitude for what God has...