Testimony of Healing August 25, 1928 Issue

Sixteen years ago I was a critic of Christian Science

Vivian V. Clark

Sixteen years ago I was a critic of Christian Science. It had been wrongly presented to me, and I passed the error along without investigating the truth for myself. I was living at Los Angeles at the time. One evening I strolled downtown with the intention of going to a motion picture show. I noticed a crowd of men and women walking hurriedly in an opposite direction. Thinking that there might be a political meeting, I followed the crowd, and much to my astonishment was led into a Christian Science Wednesday evening testimony meeting. I sensed an atmosphere of harmony, the singing was inspiring, the reading from the desk appropriate, and the testimonies were undoubtedly sincere. I attended many Wednesday evening meetings and Sunday services after that, and my interest in Christian Science grew steadily.

Then my work called me to New York city, where I took up the study of Christian Science systematically with the Bible, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and the Christian Science Quarterly as guides. When I needed help I sought aid from a practitioner, and my understanding and zeal increased.

My work as a mining engineer then took me to the tropics of South America, where conditions of climate, race, creed, and morals were almost diametrically opposite to those at home. I was thrown into what has been called "the pest hole of the tropics." I continued to study the Lesson-Sermons as faithfully as I knew how, but after a few months I became ill with malaria. I tried to handle the case with my knowledge of the truth, but it seemed unavailing, and eventually the company physician took me in charge. After my convalescence I continued the study of the Quarterly lessons. I noticed, however, that there was an undercurrent of ridicule among other foreigners in our colony, but notwithstanding that, I attempted to carry on my study. Eventually, however, I lost interest. When I returned to New York after three years' residence in the tropics, I was much reduced in vigor and weight, and my interest in Christian Science was at a low ebb.

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