Article June 26, 1978 Issue

"Just one—to be sociable"

WILLIAM A. BAXTER

I will never forget how proud I was to be accepted for membership in a famous club dedicated to the performing arts. I was a young man and anxious to make my mark in the company of those whose talents in this field were recognized.

Practice sessions were often social events, and heavy drinking was the rule. I had to make a decision, but it was not a difficult one.

I had been brought up in Christian Science and had learned the value of prayer that acknowledges God as the source of all true good. I had learned that God is the perfect, infinite One and that man is His perfect idea. I understood that man, reflecting the good that is God, is spiritual, complete, effective, joyful. And knowing that this was my own true nature and being, I knew I could demonstrate it. I saw that I didn't need alcohol to enhance my effectiveness as an actor or a musician, nor to increase my joy or my appreciation of beauty and the good company of my fellow members.

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"Just one—to be sociable"

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