The remarkable and sudden change in my affairs that occurred a number of years ago may be likened to that of the Bible story of the prodigal son given in the fifteenth chapter of Luke.
I was a student of Christian Science for many years, a member of The Mother Church, and an active member of a Christian Science branch church, but I permitted a series of tragic circumstances, including failing health, to lead me away from this Science into the byways of materia medica and worldliness.
I soon found myself hopelessly addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and a variety of dangerous drugs, together with excessive amounts of coffee, tea, and medical remedies, until I reached an abject level physically, mentally, and financially.