At the very threshold of young manhood, about fifteen years ago, I was in bondage to a number of wrong moral habits and was suffering from several physical ailments, one of these being an enlarged spleen accompanied by chronic stomach disorder. I had a very sensitive disposition, and was extremely self-conscious in appearing before an audience and in meeting strangers. Having been reared in an atmosphere of materia medica, where disease was a frequent topic of conversation, my daily existence was beset with numberless fears, which limited normal activity in every direction. I had tried often and earnestly to stop the use of tobacco and to overcome other harmful habits by will-power; but could not gain a permanent victory. The constant use of medicines, together with the conscientious efforts of many kind physicians, had not been effectual to cure my physical ills, which became gradually more distressing and alarming.
In this condition I moved to California to join my parents. I found in their home the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and began to read it. The perusal of this truly wonderful book, revealing the true idea of God and man's present and eternal scientific unity with Him, brought about a normal and spiritual awakening which spontaneously freed me from many sinful desires and practices. I studied Science and Health daily, and soon began to study the Bible also, which theretofore had received little attention in my round of living; but the Christian Science textbook quickened a desire to know the Book of books better, and to learn the spiritual truths contained therein. This regular study, and two or three treatments by a Christian Science practitioner, healed me completely of the tobacco habit. Other good results soon began to appear, besides moral healings. Many fears and superstitions disappeared entirely. I became less sensitive; my physical health gradually improved; and promotions in employment came about, bringing with them better financial conditions.
Less than four years after beginning to study Christian Science I enrolled in a law college, and for about two and a half years worked eight hours at regular employment during the day and studied law at night, frequently working and studying almost incessantly for sixteen or eighteen hours a day without fatigue or any ill effects. My mental and physical condition improved steadily during this time, as Christian Science study was pursued regularly; and not one recitation was missed or a single day lost from work on account of illness.
