For seventeen years I had used tobacco, chewing and smoking. I tried medicines that were recommended, and said to cure others of the habit, but they did me no good.

About two years ago I became interested in Christian Science, and the first ray of light from this wonderful Truth healed me of that habit. I had been reading one of the early editions of Science and Health, by Mary Baker G. Eddy, and I began to attend church and Friday evening meetings, and felt that at last I had found the Truth that I had been seeking so long. I bought a late edition of Science and Health, and began studying in earnest every day, and I cannot express my thanks for what this wonderful message of Truth has done for me. It has taught me how to content myself to a certain extent, and brought me that peace of mind I never had before. I have been able to demonstrate over many things. At first I was ashamed to let others know that I was interested in Science, and would try to hide the fact from some; but now I am ever willing to tell the wonderful benefits I have received.

On the nineteenth day of August I was leaning over a large freight elevator shaft talking to one of our boys on the floor below. The elevator was protected only by a sliding gate in front of it about three feet high. I was leaning over this gate, looking down below, when, before I knew what had happened, I found myself pinned down just below my shoulders, and I knew it was useless for me to try to extricate myself. All I could do was to let it grind me down head foremost to what seemed to me death; for the natural position of the elevator, without crowding, left only a space of five inches between it and the shaft. The elevator came down, slowly grinding the breath out of me, and my first thought was of my wife. Then the elevator slowly released my body and clasped my head. I cannot describe my feelings, but this thought came to me, "If this is what they call death, I thank God for what Christian Science has done for me, and I do not fear to meet my fate." Then it seemed for a moment that I did not know where I was. When I was released, it was some time before I could realize my condition. Some said I was torn and bleeding, others said my shoulders were mashed, others that my head was mashed, others my nose. Some wanted me to sit down, others wanted me to drink water, all were terribly excited, while I felt happy that I had realized that God was with me, and was my Protector.