Shortly after coming into Christian Science I noticed that Christian Scientists did not use tobacco. I asked a Scientist the reason why. He answered, because it was not cleanly. This caused me to quit chewing tobacco, but I continued to smoke for quite a while after, until I read in Science and Health (p. 454), "It need not be added that the use of tobacco, but I continued to smoke for harmony with Christian Science." I then concluded to stop completely. I had used tobacco for over forty years, but the desire left me and for about a year and a half I abstained, until one day out of idle curiosity, I bought a cigar and was again in bondage to the habit. I then mesmerized myself into the belief that there was no harm in it, that it did not hurt one, also that I was getting great pleasure and enjoyment out of it. After a while I noticed that I was not advancing in Science; instead was slipping back. I also noticed when meeting a Scientist that I tried to hide the cigar because I was ashamed to have a Scientist see me smoking.
I realized that the tobacco habit was not doing me any good and I again concluded to quit, but could not make the demonstration. For several years I struggled and fought; I tried to overcome it with will power; I would quit for a few hours, then I would be worse than ever; I had resolved not to ask for help from a Christian Science practitioner but to fight it out by myself. I would declare the truth and then undertake to stand fast, but would fail disgracefully. I arrived at the point at last where I had neither peace nor rest; I then asked for help, which was lovingly given. My healing was delayed but glorious when it came.
On page 241 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "The corner-stone of all spiritual building is purity;" the evil of the tobacco habit was seen to be its impurity; all craving and desire vanished, and I can now sit in a room filled with smokers and have no craving or desire for the weed; in fact the thought never enters my mind. I find I am overcoming error in my daily life more quickly and that I am advancing in Christian Science instead of slipping back. I am sending this thank offering, as a testimony of gratitude for Christian Science, for Mrs. Eddy, and to my God for the many blessings received, and know that this cup of cold water given in Christ's name will help to break the mesmerism that may seem to bind others.— Phoenix, Ariz.
