Article October 31, 1953 Issue

ALCOHOLISM AND SMOKING CAN BE HEALED

DORA S. FETZER

In Isaiah we read (52:7), "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" Let us bring "good tidings of good" by standing firmly for all that is pure and holy, substantial and enduring in good. No one can really enjoy anything that takes from him purity, sweetness, wholesomeness, and the power to think clearly and the ability to govern himself decently. Smoking tobacco and drinking intoxicants do not give anyone anything. They only deplete and interfere with one's capacity to reflect good. They are mesmeric and do not have behind them the power of a single strong, pure, wholesome, or unselfish thought.

This was proved in the writer's experience one Sunday morning when she was riding on a streetcar on her way to fulfill an engagement to serve in a Church of Christ, Scientist. She was reading quietly from the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, when suddenly, from behind, both her shoulders were clutched in a rough and disagreeable manner. Quickly turning, she found herself looking directly into a man's bloodshot eyes. His head was very close to her and his breath reeked of liquor. For a moment she thought of moving to another part of the streetcar. Then came the thought that the young man needed what she had to give of spiritual truth.

Almost immediately she recalled an incident which she had heard related in a Christian Science lecture. The lecturer had told of a young girl who was alone in her apartment when a badly intoxicated man entered. At first she was startled, and then she turned and said to him, "You are the son of God and can act like one." The man sat down in a chair and in a few moments quietly left the apartment. In a few weeks he returned to thank her and say that he had a good job and had become a self-respecting citizen.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

PETER MAKES A DEMONSTRATION