Testimony of Healing October 7, 1922 Issue

It is with the deepest sense of gratitude that I record my...

Henry Fitzpatrick

It is with the deepest sense of gratitude that I record my heartfelt thankfulness for having come in touch with Christian Science. When only a young man, I began to be attacked periodically with rheumatism. The excruciating torture made me practically a cripple. For months at a time I was incapacitated, and depressed at the gloomy prospects that loomed as an immovable mountain. On one occasion during this dark and joyless time, I experienced nearly twelve months' absence from employment; and also during the same lengthy period I suffered indescribable pain. I had tried, I think, all the treatments known to the medical profession, and remained an inmate in a hospital in Derbyshire, England, for some time. At home my medical adviser pronounced my case beyond him. I was told I would never be able to work again. Then drugs were canceled by the medical practitioner's order, and I was left to go along as best I could, the doctor saying, "I have tried all the remedies I know." I pulled through,—how I do not know. About two and a half years ago, while yet suffering from another attack, the indubitable truth of Christian Science heralded the beginning of my release from mental and physical imprisonment. I have had many proofs of the divine presence in protecting and curative demonstrations since the study of the Science of being was taken up.

From an early age I seriously sought along the lines of so-called natural science for solutions to the problems that beset a troubled world and mankind. I knew that things were far from being right with humanity, believing that if men could only become intelligent, the cruel, unjust social environment would be transformed. That was a time when I pinned my faith on brain development or the gray-matter theory. Physics, embryology, anthropology, and sociology, being branches of natural science, it was with these many and varied offshoots of synthetic philosophy that I was sedulously occupied in endeavoring to acquire knowledge to correct worldly wrongs. I could not accept the religious teachings as set forth in the usual religions; so I remained undisturbed with the seal upon me of infidel or unbeliever voiced aloud and contemptuously. At this stage of belief the regenerating truth of Christian Science was revealed to me; and to-day I am free from pain and a multitude of disturbing conditions, which I once accepted as legitimate concomitants of life. To be scientifically released from pain and depression and from inharmonious friction is truly a new birth. Out of the valley of darkness into the glorious dawn has Truth led me. Much error yet remains, but I know persistent effort will vanquish the remaining cherished mortal opinions that have manacled my freedom and spiritual expansion. Seeing and knowing the immeasurable benefit Christian Science study has wrought, this demonstrable truth urges one forward from matter-beliefs to spiritual reality. This outward expression of an inner feeling toward the illustrious Mrs. Eddy, in her unique and noble work for mankind, demands the deepest gratitude I can express. As infinite Principle is boundless and absolute, spiritual unfoldment must likewise be eternal.

To the kind and loving practitioner who first guided my footsteps in my dark and pessimistic hours do I extend my heartfelt thanks; in fact, I do so to all who lovingly assisted my passage from error to Truth. To-day, I am well and active. After years of invalidity, physical torture, and fear of their recurrence, I can rejoice in the truth that God, good, does set free. My healing was not gained instantaneously, but only months elapsed between the time I began to study "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and the regaining of my health, happiness, and real interest in life.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Testimony of Healing

My earliest recollection was of feeling very ill; and I...