Testimony of Healing June 3, 1961 Issue

During the First World War, I...

Robert A. Curry

During the First World War, I flew with a squadron of the Royal Flying Corps on long-distance intelligence missions. A small open airplane was used, and we flew at what was then considered a great height. No oxygen was carried. I did carry with me, however, a Bible and a Vest Pocket Edition of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. I read them before and after each flight.

There were a few instances during the five months of this flying when my life was saved though reliance on Christian Science. On returning to the United States I desired to mention my gratitude at a Wednesday testimony meeting in a branch Church of Christ, Scientist. However, I was intensely afraid to speak in public. Through prayer I overcame the fear sufficiently to voice a few appropriate words at a meeting. The healing of fear was more complete than I had realized at the time, for shortly afterward I accepted an assignment to give public lectures at the request of the board of education in a large city. I was able to speak without notes and with full freedom.

Many years later this healing stood me in good stead. I became a Chaplain in the Second World War and had to conduct the Protestant services of an infantry unit of the United States Army. This meant preaching, and in a peak month during a time of heavy fighting I held thirty services besides ministering to the special needs of the men in my regiment. I repeatedly reminded myself of these words in Science and Health (p. 241): "The error of the ages is preaching without practice."

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