An article in The Christian Science Journalfor August signed E. V. M. L., London, England, assigned as a possible reason for delay in making a much-desired demonstration the neglect of the writer to make public his benefits through Truth. Another, writing in the September number, likened himself to a sponge. These two have seemed to appeal to my case so strongly that I feel impelled to let others know what Christian Science has done for me. It has rescued me from a condition of almost total depravity, and I have neglected to make public my testimonial. I learned of Christian Science in December, 1900. after I had completed a course of medical treatment for the liquor habit. Prior to that time I had attempted a local cure and was advised by medical friends to drop it, as my mental condition was becoming alarming. From being a well-mannered, intelligent man, I became depraved, seeking the companionship of those as base as myself. Friends thought they were doing me a favor by sending me to an institute for the liquor habit cure, and I will not decry their good intentions. Within a month after I was discharged I had the same craving for liquor that I had before taking the treatment. My mental condition bordered on that of insanity. Added to this condition was impaired eye-sight. I had spent much money in treatment and for glasses, and to no effect. I saw ahead of me a certain date when I would have to relinquish my work, and with a sick wife and four children dependent on me, my condition was terrible. After leaving the institute and while seeking employment, for my money was gone and my family without adequate support, I learned of this truth, through a gentleman who gave me employment. I took treatment, and three days afterwards laid aside my glasses, and the liquor habit vanished. Though I have since listened to the voice of error, yet Truth has ever reclaimed me, banishing completely any desire to use liquor or any seeming necessity for its use.
My eyesight has continued unimpaired, and when the voice of the tempter would seek to lure me from the path of rectitude, I have had this one great demonstration stand out so bright and clear that it has silenced all false claims.
It has been an ambition of mine to put the teachings of Christian Science to use in my business as newspaper editor and reporter. Our city editor was taken ill, and without notice or preparation the task of attending to the assignment of the reporters, the writing of the heads, the reading of proof and copy, and the charge of the make-up, fell upon me. In newspaper parlance it was an "off week;" that is, there were no news items in sight, yet news came for the paper, which was said to be the best that was ever issued from the press. I never missed a mail, was not late, and never lacked for copy. This was repeated some weeks later, and though I did the work of two men, both responsible positions, I never failed, because I relied upon Truth.
