I wish to express my gratitude for the many blessings received for over thirty-five years in Christian Science. This testimony covers a period of thirty-two years which I completed in the transportation field as a city transit driver. I received a merit award for distinctive service, including a twenty-six-year safe-driving award; it was also noted that I had an unusual record of never missing an assignment or taking a sick leave. I owe all this to Christian Science.
My most challenging and productive experience just a few years ago was that of serving a three-year term as First Reader of a local branch Church of Christ, Scientist. By working an unusually early shift, I found the necessary time for preparing the lessons each week. When support was needed, it was always forthcoming from my family or a Christian Science practitioner.
During the past thirty-two-year period I have begun each day knowing that God's law, the law of universal harmony, is ever in operation. This law nullifies the beliefs of sin, sickness, disease, accidents.
In my public relations I have met many a challenge in working with all kinds of people by recognizing man as the image of God. This prayerful approach to everything, including church, home, and family, has had an alterative effect on my life. In our relations with others we really have to care. Caring is one of the attributes of Love—it leavens thought and heals mankind. In working out a problem with the aid of Christian Science I find that love is the answer. We have to get the human sense of self out of the way to demonstrate the truth. "Not my will, but thine, be done" (Luke 22: 42) is the ultimate in scientific metaphysical practice. Love all the way, in all ways, brought to me harmonious solutions of everyday problems, both at work and elsewhere.
Our family was raised in Christian Science. We have all relied on Christian Science for the healing of colds, various diseases, and the effects of accidents. Adequate income and the finding of our place in society have also come about through our demonstration of this Science.
During the Second World War, I was led from an incompatible work situation to the position from which I recently retired. Finding good employment was a blessing and protection during those years. Our only real work is to express the attributes of God. It is the reason we are here—to be His representatives.
A recent healing I had was of swelling that appeared over parts of my body. There was much discomfort. Over a period of two months I prayed to be more kind, patient, and loving in my relations with everyone. A statement that was helpful and inspiring is from Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy (p. 324): "Unless the harmony and immortality of man are becoming more apparent, we are not gaining the true idea of God; and the body will reflect what governs it, whether it be Truth or error, understanding or belief, Spirit or matter." As I prayed to realize the truth of man's identity as a child of God, and for a greater understanding of the nature of God, the swelling disappeared and I was healed. Gratitude and love are powerful weapons for healing.
Another physical healing occurred several years ago, that of a growth on my eyelid. It was noticeable and people would comment on it. Some recommended that I have it removed surgically. I held to the thought that as I am in reality an idea of Mind, the only growth I can experience is spiritual. A sentence in Science and Health fortified this (p. 463): "A spiritual idea has not a single element of error, and this truth removes properly whatever is offensive." This was not a quick healing, as the spot was apparent for several months, but I steadfastly held to the truth. I was not aware when it disappeared, but soon realized all was normal.
I am grateful for membership in The Mother Church and a branch church, for class instruction, and for Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science.
Seattle, Washington
It is with gratitude for Christian Science that I confirm the above testimony. During the past thirty-five years our family has had many proofs of the healing and saving power of God.
About three years ago I had a healing for which I am very grateful. One evening I felt something sore on my back, and noticed an ugly eruption. Immediately I gave myself a Christian Science treatment. I prayed to have anything in my thought that was unloving, unkind, or uncharitable toward anyone uncovered and cast out. I also knew that I could not be a victim of unkind thoughts of others.
For several days thereafter I continued with prayerful metaphysical work, pondering words comprising the definition of God in Science and Health on page 587. It begins: "God. The great I Am." I gave attention to one word at a time until I felt inspiration had been gained for the immediate need, then went on to the next word.
I felt the work was complete—my thought cleansed and all fear destroyed—so it was with chagrin that the next morning I noticed the condition was spreading. For only a moment I was tempted to believe that my prayer had not been effective. Then I realized that God's allness and my perfection as God's reflection had never been tampered with, nor could they ever be. So I turned on the belief with this rebuke: "You can't say I am to me because God is the only I am," and I left it there.
In a few hours the eruption had dried up, and by the next day the skin was smooth and clear. With rejoicing, over the next few days I continued praying with the rest of the definition of God on that page in the textbook. My healing proved to be complete.
Membership in The Mother Church and serving in a branch church over many years have been enriching, and much spiritual growth has resulted. Class instruction has been an invaluable help. I am sincerely thankful to God for the Master, Christ Jesus, and for Mrs. Eddy.
