Testimony of Healing September 8, 1923 Issue

Mrs. Eddy says, "The depraved appetite for alcoholic...

Cassius M. Caughey

Mrs. Eddy says, "The depraved appetite for alcoholic drinks, tobacco, tea, coffee, opium, is destroyed only by Mind's mastery of the body. This normal control is gained through divine strength and understanding" (Science and Health, p. 406).

For twenty-five years I was in bondage to the tobacco habit. I had tried many times to free myself, but every attempt had ended only in defeat. Each failure added to my sense of discouragement, and lessened my power of resistance, until I despaired of ever being free from this disgusting and selfish habit. But an honest, humble desire for better things is not disregarded by the Father; and deliverance from this evil was even then near at hand.

The Scripture promise, "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear," was again to be fulfilled. Quite unexpectedly the privilege came of listening to an explanation of the teachings of Christian Science. This led to the purchase of a copy of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and a careful reading of its contents. The truth about God and man was presented so forcefully and logically in this book that no doubt arose about a single statement within its covers. The chapter entitled "Fruitage," with its accounts of healing through a simple reading of the book, inspired the hope that the desire for tobacco might be healed in the same way; but after two and a half years of reading no change for the better was noticeable. Again came a sense of discouragement; and with it, doubt. In conversation with a Christian Science friend, this advice was given: "When you see that smoking is a sin, stop it. It will not be as difficult as you think." That was just the word needed, for I never touched tobacco again. Ten years have passed, and much strength has resulted from this overcoming.

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