I shall always be grateful for the thorough grounding in the Scriptures which I received as a member of an orthodox church. That foundation, however, proved insufficient to withstand the storms of doubt, criticism, and temptation that assailed my early manhood, and thus a period of infidelity followed. I searched for the truth in theosophy, oriental thought, and spiritualism, but to no avail.
I allowed myself to become a slave to both smoking and drinking. Fear of climate had rendered me a victim of frequent colds, influenza, tonsillitis, and kindred complaints. Recognition of the slavery that held me impelled me at length to pray fervently to God, who then seemed very far away, for deliverance. This prayer brought its answer, though not immediately, and in quite an unforeseen way.
After living in boarding houses and hotels for years, I was led to accept an invitation from some old friends to share their home. It was not long before I discovered that they were students of Christian Science, and, what impressed me more, that they endeavored to live and practice their religion daily. While I was with them a return of the old complaint of tonsillitis caused me, on the advice of these friends, to seek the aid of a Christian Science practitioner. The healing was not instantaneous, for the treatment uncovered and destroyed resentment which had been entertained for many years; and when that evil vanished a complete healing of the tonsillitis followed. During the same treatment the smoking habit also left me; and on commencing the daily study of the Lesson-Sermon in the Christian Science Quarterly, I quickly lost all further desire for alcohol. These healings occurred over twelve years ago and have been permanent. A better understanding of God as divine Love gradually unfolded through my regular study of the Lesson-Sermon. The fear of climate was also slowly cast out, as well as the susceptibility to colds.
