Testimony of Healing May 25, 1968 Issue

I began drinking and smoking at the age of eighteen

Melvin C. Amerman with contributions from Winifred A. R. Fairclough, Lucille P. Webster

I began drinking and smoking at the age of eighteen. Several years later, when I realized the foolishness of this, I stopped drinking, but discovered I could not so easily stop smoking. I continued smoking for ten years, during which time I tried to stop half a dozen times by using willpower. I would quit for several months, which would be filled with aggravating symptoms, but then return to heavier smoking. I began applying the practical teachings of Christian Science to resolve other problems; however, my smoking was denying me the opportunity for church membership.

Three years ago, as a noncommissioned officer in the Air Force, I was assigned to an ROTC detachment with a university. I was running the mile with some of the cadets, when my chest suddenly seemed to tighten and I had difficulty breathing. I immediately sat down. I had no thought of fear. The first thought that entered my mind was, "I have not progressed the past ten years; I must become active in Christian Science, and the first step is to terminate this nonsensical smoking!"

Soon, with the very able assistance of a Christian Science Minister for the Armed Services, I began earnestly studying Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, together with her other writings. I want to point out that I did not stop smoking at this time by using will-power. I continued smoking, relying completely on Christian Science to free me from the desire for smoking. Several days went by, and one evening I was reading in Science and Health what Mrs. Eddy writes (pp. 168, 169):

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I began drinking and smoking at the age of eighteen

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