I wish to submit the following testimony as small evidence...

Clarence Elmer Carlstrom

I wish to submit the following testimony as small evidence of my sincere gratitude for what Christian Science has done and is continuing to do for me and for mankind.

As I had long sought a more substantial and acceptable concept of God, it was easy to set aside any false theories about Him, since I had never been in sympathy with the doctrine of a corporeal or magnified Deity as preached by many of the orthodox clergy. Through the study of Christian Science as expounded by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the true understanding of Him has been revealed to me.

I have experienced many beautiful healings and numerous blessings through this divine truth, so I can truthfully attest to its efficacy. One was an almost instantaneous healing of an infected bunion. Another condition was a little slower in yielding, taking perhaps twelve hours. It was an internal abscess, which, according to the doctors, would prove fatal unless artificial means of draining were resorted to. I had submitted to such treatment before coming to Christian Science, but had been told the condition would recur and the same treatment would be necessary. The condition did recur, but through the help of a practitioner it was met and healed for all time. I am most grateful for this healing, as well as for many other beautiful manifestations of the power and presence of divine Love, such as the overcoming of the smoking habit of twenty-five years' standing, and the uncovering and destruction of many unlovely traits of character. For divine protection in times of persecution, for the calm and buoyant contentment experienced during all these so-called trials, I give praise to God and my most humble thanks.

During a case of threatened prosecution I experienced a most beautiful manifestation and unfoldment of divine Love and proved conclusively the utter futility of human planning or outlining. The threatened litigation was over a claim I had made for an allowance on a business transaction, which I had previously made but which did not show up until some time later and then quite by accident. As an installment of considerable size was due to be paid by me, I purposely withheld some of it, advising the one from whom I had purchased the business of what I had discovered, and that I was asking his permission to deduct the matter of four hundred and seventy-five dollars from the payment due. Instead of agreeing, he immediately came some fifteen hundred miles to inform me he intended to sue me. Knowing the truth and realizing I could lose nothing in divine Love, I assured him I was firm in my conviction. He left the store somewhat startled. I immediately called a Christian Science practitioner, telling her what had transpired, and then went to work myself as we are taught in Christian Science, at the same time still trying to conduct my business. My wife, however, seemed to grow more perturbed as the day went on, and I finally recommended that she go home and read her books. This she did. Upon opening her Bible she looked down at the passage before her and read: "And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" She was immediately relieved of fear and doubt and telephoned me of her healing. The following morning the individual referred to returned to my store of his own accord, and not only acceded to my claim but offered me an amount four times greater than what I had claimed. The experience also uncovered and healed intense antagonism and hatred which had been manifested toward us for some time by this person. This was further cause for gratitude.

I am more grateful each day for the love and devotion of our revered and inspired Leader, Mrs. Eddy; for our patient and generous practitioners; for our periodicals, which carry their healing and inspiring messages to all corners of the globe; as well as for the privilege of serving in any capacity afforded me. For all this I am truly grateful; but for Christ Jesus, the Way-shower, words seem inadequate to express my reverence and gratitude.

Clarence Elmer Carlstrom, Kansas City, Missouri.

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