The following testimony is republished because of a misprint which occurred in it when it appeared in the July Journal.]
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 or intoxicating drinks is not in 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.
