When Christian Science was first brought to my attention I was a servant to many false appetites, including the desire for strong drink, gambling, and profanity. Within a period of six months this triad of errors yielded to the truth as taught in Christian Science. I longed to be free from these wrong habits even before coming into Science, but like many others I knew not how to overcome temptation. It is therefore out of gratitude that I give this testimony.
One evening, after indulging in drinking and gambling, I returned home with the intention of reading the Lesson-Sermon from the Christian Science Quarterly, having at that time considered one section a day sufficient. My thoughts were much disturbed, due to drinking. I tried hard to dwell on what I was reading, but error seemed to hold sway over my thinking; in other words, my mind was a blank so far as the Lesson was concerned. Thoughts of the card game I had just been playing seemed to control me. Three times I checked over the Lesson with a fervent desire to understand the contents, when suddenly the "still small voice" came to me, saying, You claim to be a loyal, earnest student of Christian Science; now you are called upon to prove your fidelity. These so-called pleasures and Christian Science do not mix, nor do they agree, which proves they must be opposites; therefore, you must take your choice—you cannot have them both. This utterance of truth was so clear and distinct that it enabled me to make my choice right then and there, which choice rested on the side of immortal Truth. Needless to say I was healed instantaneously of the drink habit.
Several months later the desire for gambling, and the use of profanity vanished through persistent effort to know and do right. I have received many other blessings and have witnessed them in others, for which I am truly grateful.
