It was with considerable trepidation that I waited my first interview with a Christian Science practitioner. I had traveled five hundred miles for treatment for the liquor habit and to study Science, and that morning had omitted my customary bracer.
I had never seen a Christian Scientist that I knew of, so had no conception of what they looked like, nor had I talked to any one on the subject or read any of their literature.
I was first ushered into a room that suggested home comfort to await the practitioner who was busy. I noticed the Bible and other religious literature on the table and sacred pictures on the wall. The environment was altogether unfamiliar, and I was sorry I drank so much the night before. To say that I was nervous does not quite express it. but the kindly manner of the Scientist at once reassured me. She did not talk religion, but immediately proceeded to give me a treatment. This was such a practical and charitable act, under the circumstances, that I was favorably impressed from the start. About two weeks afterwards I took class instruction.
I have since been told that I went through class too soon. Personal opinion, however, is not capable of deciding this question. Undoubtedly one is in a more receptive mood to receive instruction who has some previous conception of the subject, but mine was a desperate case and required a radical remedy.
An orthodox church, several reputable physicians, the Keeley cure, and mental science had all failed to help me destroy the liquor habit. I made quite a start towards proving all things before coming to Science, but I do not think that I would have held fast to that which is good, without the class instruction.
I was completely healed of the liquor habit in one year. In a year and a half the thought came to me that I would get in touch with the great fountain-head of Christian Science by uniting with the Mother Church. A few days before doing so I was completely healed of the tobacco habit of over twenty years' standing, through one absent treatment. I had been an inveterate smoker.
I had been studying mental science about three years when a friend who had given it still further time wrote, "We are on the wrong track, look into Christian Science." As mental science had been tried and found wanting, I was ready to follow this advice when it came. I read a great deal of mental science literature, and also took treatment but it did not "wax strong in time of trouble." When there was nothing to meet, however, I found it a very fascinating study. It promises an easy way out of all trouble, in fact would waft you into harmony on veritable beds of ease. When I awoke from this illusion, I had to retrace my steps in shame and sorrow.
The church denounced intemperance, but I did not find personal magnetism, preaching, or ritualism adequate to heal it. Christian Science alone takes away the appetite for strong drink. The Keeley cure and all other systems only destroy it to belief. I speak from experience.
The physicians gave me good advice with chloride of gold, but like preaching and ritualism, it was of no practical or enduring benefit.
I cannot but feel grateful to the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, who has made this and all other demonstrations possible through "enduring all things" from those she has befriended and reflecting all her great Mother-love in return.— West Superior, Wis.
