Early in 1915 I first visited a...

John J. Torpey

Early in 1915 I first visited a Christian Science practitioner, more to please a friend than with any hope of benefiting myself, although I suffered from chronic indigestion. constipation, and impoverished blood, weighed less than ninety pounds, and had what was called an incurable skin disease. Although no connection was discerned at the time, along with these physical disorders went some very unlovely traits of character, as well as fear, despondency, and spiritual lack.

From this first visit I came away healed of the indigestion and the smoking habit. Grateful and curious, I returned, still seeking "the loaves and fishes" of physical healing, but remained to "seek ... first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," as the Bible teaches, before "these things"—health, happiness. and success—were added. After years of suffering, when the fear of dying gave place to an understanding of God, I was instantaneously healed of the bowel trouble. Underweight and thin at the time of the First World War, I was denied enlistment in our Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, but in less than six months I received a special appointment to the Army, passed the physical requirements, and served actively in France, where I experienced further proofs of God's protecting love and care. The skin disease disappeared when criticism, resentment, and similar habits of disposition vanished from my consciousness.

Knowing more of God as Love has liberated me through the passing years from severe colds, sore throat, ptomaine poisoning, impeded speech, deafness in one ear, cancer of the face, business problems, and the effects of automobile and other accidents. During thirty-five years I have never been in bed a day, or absent from duty, because of illness of any kind.

For this unfoldment of good in my life, I gratefully acknowledge my debt to Mary Baker Eddy for her revelation of Christian Science and her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." And to a faithful friend go my thanks for inspiring help when passing through the vestibules of discouragement and fear. Some claims of error were quickly met, but the slow healings required consecrated effort and compensating spiritual growth.

On page 118 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy writes, "The warfare with one's self is grand." Proving God to be the only power and oneself His image and likeness with dominion over the whole earth, is not easy and requires constant striving, but the rewards are great. I am fully persuaded that God is the only healer. Proof of my gratitude to God, to Christ Jesus, and to Mrs. Eddy, I find in helping others as I have been so bountifully blessed. It gives me great satisfaction to be a member of The Mother Church and of a branch church and to have had class instruction.—John J. Torpey, Veto Beach, Florida.

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December 3, 1949

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