Testimony of Healing December 11, 1954 Issue

This testimony is to express gratitude...

Charles John Hoffman

This testimony is to express gratitude for the new life that has come to me as a result of my taking up the study and application of Christian Science. Some time ago I experienced a severe nervous breakdown. My family doctor informed me that there was nothing he could do. I had a friend whom I respected and admired, and I knew him to be a Christian Scientist. In my extremity and deeply troubled state of mind I inquired of him if he thought his religion could help me. He replied in the affirmative and recommended that I seek the aid of a practitioner. Immediately I arranged for an appointment, and within a few hours I had my first treatment in Christian Science.

During the trying period that preceded my healing, thoughts of self-destruction were entertained. It seemed difficult to understand how others could be happy and joyous while I was unable to find any peace of mind, but I felt encouraged by Mrs. Eddy's statement (Science and Health, p. 265): "The aspiration after heavenly good comes even before we discover what belongs to wisdom and Love. The loss of earthly hopes and pleasures brightens the ascending path of many a heart." The following verse from the Bible also brought encouragement (II Tim. 1:7): "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." Thinking of these passages and the "scientific statement of being" in Science and Health (p. 468) was very helpful in my attempt to clarify my thinking and to see that the inharmonious condition was not in accord with God's plan.

The practitioner was very loving and always ready to assist me in my darkest hours. My wife, my superior in business, and my co-workers were also pillars of strength, giving unselfishly of their patience, love, and kindness. During this trying period it was extremely difficult to carry on at my place of employment, and I was constantly tempted to give up the responsible position I had earned through diligent service over a period of twenty-five years. However, through clinging to Truth and through constantly knowing that I must work out this problem for the honor and glory of God. I was able to continue performing my duties.

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