Two healings in my experience have served as landmarks. They occurred within a short period of time, and each in its own way made me realize that the study of Christian Science had started me on a way of life from which there could be no turning, unless I wished to live by guesswork, or trial and error, instead of by divine Principle.
The first was the healing of smoking, which came about through a desire to join the Christian Science church. Although I had known about Science since I was eight years old, when I went to live with an aunt who was a Christian Scientist, I did not accept the religion for many years as a desirable way of life. During the intervening time I had sought satisfaction through various material channels, but almost always when in trouble I would seek Christian Science help.
Finally I woke up to the fact that it was about time for me to stop freeloading. I wouldn't tolerate such a practice in business, so why should I in my private life? In other words, I had received so much from Christian Science that it was about time for me to give something in return. The only way I could help serve the Cause of Christian Science was to join The Mother Church and a branch church. That meant I had to give up habits incompatible with Christian Science, including smoking.
