In the year 1913 I had the good fortune to meet a person who told me something about Christian Science. The textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, was procured, and while I was reading the first page of the Preface the thought dawned upon me that this was what I had been looking for for twenty years; and with a feeling that I had never experienced before, I joyfully expressed my newfound hopes to my wife.
At the time Christian Science came to me I was dissatisfied with all things generally, and particularly with my profession—that of marine engineer. I had tried to get away from the sea several times, but had not succeeded in doing so. While my ship was in Sydney, New South Wales, I attended the Sunday services of the local Christian Science church, and while a hymn was being sung, telling of the truth that maketh free, I gained a new understanding of the words. On returning to the ship I found my dissatisfaction with my position had been destroyed; and I can testify that the voyage then begun was the happiest I had ever had in my twelve years' experience. Imagine my great surprise when, upon return to my home port, there was a telephone message offering me a post in a Government Office on work which I had desired for years! With gratitude the position was accepted.
I should like to mention that the habit of smoking was destroyed during the above period. Perhaps no one enjoyed smoking more than I, and perhaps no one was more surprised than I when, while reading a copy of The Christian Science Journal one evening, the habit suddenly disappeared. That was nine years ago, and the desire has never returned.
