In May, 1907, at twenty-three years of age, I found...

Laurie E. Wood

In May, 1907, at twenty-three years of age, I found myself discharged from the business position I had held in London, England. This disgrace was due to the demoralizing effects of intemperance, and was the culminating point in the life of general recklessness which I had led for about four years. I was so ashamed that a desire to get away from my former associates came to me, and for two months I lived an almost solitary life in Surrey. At this time better influences were introduced, and I came to know a little of the teachings of Jesus, which had not been prominent in my life since leaving the Sunday School, about six years previously.

In October I left England for New Zealand, where I belonged, and on the voyage I strove to learn more of the Master's teachings; but a certain book which was lent me and which I read, took away all the props my new-found faith possessed, and I was left with nothing. There was a minister on board, but he did not seem to be able to answer the statements in this book to my satisfaction. My life was a misery to me, because it seemed as if the Bible were not true.

On my arrival in Sydney, I was offered a good business position, and I felt impelled to stay. For several Sundays I visited churches of various denominations, in the hope of finding "something;" but being discouraged at my non-success, I gave up the hope. At this juncture, a friend spoke to me of Christian Science, for I had told him of a physical trouble from which I suffered acutely. He lent me some pamphlets, and I immediately borrowed a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" from the reading-room here, and read it hungrily. It restored the Bible to me at once, but with a greatly enhanced value. In a fortnight I discovered that the smoking habit had "given me up." In about a month I had treatment for the stomach disorder and was helped wonderfully, for my former very limited diet speedily became unlimited.

I cannot describe the difference which this revelation of the truth, as contained in Science and Health, has made in my life. The old habit of drinking with acquaintances has been completely overcome, and quite without any effort on my part. Christian Science has made my daily business more of pleasure than work. It has made my life so full of happiness that at times it seems too good to be true. The lives of many of the workers here in Sydney who are demonstrating practical Christianity, have influenced me greatly. I write this testimony to the healing power of Christian Science with the deepest feeling of gratitude to Mrs. Eddy for her unswerving adherence to Principle, and in the hope that it may help some equally despondent brother to realize, as I have realized in my happy experience, that "divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494).

Laurie E. Wood, Mosman, Sydney, Australia.

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