Editorial October 3, 1936 ISSUE

Resisting Temptation Scientifically

Duncan Sinclair

Many who are the victims of vice are longing to be rid of the grievous burden. And many who are indulging in what are generally regarded as less harmful sins are equally desirous of permanent freedom. What would not the enfeebled sensualist give to experience the liberty of purity? What would not the alcohol addict give to have the shackles of this enemy to his moral and spiritual freedom stricken from him? The tobacco user, also, what relief he would experience were this oftentimes stubborn habit broken for him!

Can indulgence in material sensuousness be scientifically resisted? It can. The writer knew a man who, some years ago, was healed of a serious physical condition through study of the Christian Science textbook. The one healed rejoiced in his healing; and his gratitude was proportionally great. But something remained unhealed: he still was an inveterate user of tobacco. The smoking habit seemed to hang round his neck like a millstone; and the millstone became heavier when, through further study of Science and Health, he became aware of Mrs. Eddy's thought on the use of intoxicating drinks and tobacco, namely, that it was "not in harmony with Christian Science" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 454).

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