"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord" (Lam. 3:40). These words from the Bible express my feeling of several years ago. I had had the privilege of being reared in a Christian Science family and of attending the Sunday School. However, while in high school I listened to the subtle suggestions of mortal mind which claimed popularity was to be gained by indulging false appetites. I began using tobacco and alcohol, discontinued regular attendance at Sunday School, and did little studying. A series of events followed which were far from the security, happiness, popularity, and peace I sought.
Ten days before World War II was over in Germany, I was injured in an explosion. I was later discharged as physically unfit for further service. I took an examination to re-enter college, and the scores indicated that the war injuries had limited my ability to comprehend and retain information. However, I was allowed to pursue my degree. After three years in college I was on final probation because of poor grades, my funds were exhausted, and I was extremely irritable and unhappy. It was at this point that I decided to "turn again to the Lord."
I consulted a Christian Science practitioner, who called my attention to the story found in the eighth chapter of John, in which Jesus prevented a woman from being stoned for a sinful offense she had committed. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her," were the words of Jesus to her accusers. After they all had left, Jesus asked the woman, "Hath no man condemned thee?" On being told that none had, he said, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." The woman was free! And when I left the practitioner I too was free from the tobacco and alcohol habits. I have never had so much as a desire to use either of these to this day.
