Christian Science has been a...

Nathan Dinnes

Christian Science has been a way of life to me. Through the proof of its teachings, I have enjoyed abundance and moral regeneration. Attacks of sickness have been obliterated, and the following experience is related to illustrate how healing is accomplished in Christian Science.

Sometime ago I was beset with much physical discomfort. There were fever spells, congestion, a sense of lethargy, and pain in various portions of the body. I endeavored to know the truth, but the erroneous condition did not yield. I continued with my daily duties, but soon I was unable to do anything else and commenced going to bed the moment I arrived home. It was then that I took stock and began self-questioning, receiving answers that were truly a revelation.

For the first time I perceived that it was not enough to repeat over and over again such truths as, "There is no life, truth, intelligence, nor substance in matter" (Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, p. 468). What, exactly, did that statement mean? I asked myself. The answer was simple, but I pondered the meaning this time. Matter is a lie, a dream, a mirage, nothing, a false sensation, and therefore it has no basis in fact. I really glimpsed the truth of these assertions, which in turn gave me a clearer sense of mans embodiment of all that is spiritual, harmonious, and joyous in strength.

In seeking to identify myself with the real man, I turned my thought to God and was startled to discover how superficial was my understanding of Him. I could quote glibly the seven synonyms for God—Life, Truth. Love, Mind, Principle, Spirit. Soul—which are taught in Christian Science, but I suddenly was aware that I never had sought the real identification as God's child which was so vitally necessary for the demonstration of perfection needed now.

God is Love, yes but I confessed that these were ineffectual words at the moment. To prove the words and make them effective, I was required to be loving in the face of all conditions. It seemed impossible, but I realized that this was the obstacle to be overcome. I had to be kind, considerate, charitable, and unselfish.

I proceeded to express these qualities daily to the best of my ability, and it was the toughest and the most rewarding job I had ever tackled.

The purity, meekness, and radiance of Soul were qualities I endeavored to put into practice. Divine Principle became a practical law to be utilized. In business I affirmed repeatedly that justice reigned in place of seeming injustice; that man has his place in the economy of being and his particular place; that intelligence is expressed by man, who is an individually cherished idea of God, divine Mind, and that this truth operates in human experience for the good of all.

I used the other synonyms also in this way for self-identification and it was then that I actually glimpsed man as a spiritual idea, made in God's image and likeness, and these were not mere words to me anymore. Naturally, with this enlightenment, the healing came. But this was even more important: I was actually grateful for the entire experience because of the opportunity it had given me for growth and understanding.

Memorable milestones have been membership in The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, and in a branch church, and class instruction. I can never be grateful enough to God for our Way-shower, Christ Jesus, for Christian Science, and for its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy.—Nathan Dinnes, New York, New York.

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Testimony of Healing

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