Since I was eighteen years of age I have been a constant...

Since I was eighteen years of age I have been a constant drinker, and for the last ten years, a heavy one, in fact, I seldom went to bed sober, I commenced to drink in the early morning and kept it up steadily until I went to bed. For the same length of time I was also an inveterate smoker, during later years consuming sometimes seventy or more Egyptian cigarettes daily. I also used profane language, and in addition lived as fast a life as it was possible for a man of my means. I ultimately reached a condition which demanded medical aid, and I was under the constant charge of one of the best physicians in New York, receiving daily treatments (sometimes more frequent) until my system was saturated with drugs. I continued this course for many months, eight or nine, but received no benefit whatever, but rather grew worse, until in June my doctor told me I would have to start all over again, that he could not understand why he did not benefit me. He has since told me that I was beyond any material aid, and has twice expressed his amazement at my wonderful recovery.

I was in despair, and believing I could never recover, wanted to "shuffle off this mortal coil," for I suffered excruciatingly. My throat was in a dreadful condition, and I was in constant dread at meal time, because of the agony produced by swallowing even the most delicate food, and I slept with a handkerchief in my mouth to absorb the excessive secretions.

I tried Christian Science then, not because I had any belief that God would heal me, but because I was anxious to die and feared the disgrace to my people, so consequently placed myself in the hands of a Scientist, thinking I would be shortly dead and no one would know it to be a preconcerted scheme on my part but would deem me crazy over religion. I feel ashamed to say this, but it is the truth.

Within ten days all desire for liquor or smoking left me. I have never had a return of the appetite nor will I. I no longer swear nor live in any way the life I did for so long.

The treatment were not apparently of any physical benefit until between the eighty-seventh and the ninetieth, when I was entirely healed. I exhibited my throat to my old physician and he confirmed the statement.

During my treatment I suffered agonies, fought the truth every step, and tried to get away from it, and to-day I thank God it was so, because had my cure been effected quickly and without pain, my human thought was such that I would have turned back to my evil ways. During that time of suffering, however, I constantly studied "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and gradually acquired a glimpse of the true Life, and it has now become so ingrained that I would not if I could turn away from this glorious pathway of life and health.

Looking backward I am amazed at the reluctance of the world to accept the teachings of Christian Science. Where I was wretched, sick, selfish to a degree, always seeking new material pleasures and sensations in every path of sin, now am I happy and healthy, knowing a peacefulness which I never knew before. I am overcoming my selfishness slowly, seek spiritual things, and love to do good.

I would add here, too, that under the care of the matter physician I lost thirty odd pounds and was steadily running down; under Christian Science treatment I immediately commenced gaining and recovered my lost weight in a short time.

My spiritual uplifting has far exceeded the physical healing I have received, and I would not part with my slight understanding of Christian Science for aught but one thing, and that is a greater understanding of the same.

For all these things, and for many others which daily— aye, hourly—come to me and mine, I wish to express my gratitude to Christian Science and to Mrs. Eddy, who has brought it to us again.—X.

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