In the gospel of Luke the Master speaks of the debtor the whom a certain creditor forgave most, and reading this beautiful lesson, I feel that my debt to divine Love is indeed great. In June, 1909, I came through New York city on my way from Baltimore, Md. I had left Boston a few days previously, going to Baltimore for the financial aid that had been promised me to save a corporation of which I was at that time the head, and circumstances were such that it seemed as if, without this help, nothing could save us. All I had in the world was tied up in this company. The aid had been refused me and I was in a desperate state. I stopped at a hotel bar in this city and, after drinking a great deal of whisky, the thought came to me to call my wife on the telephone and ask her to see me. My wife was at that time living in New York city, as we had separated several years before on account of my utter unreliability and love for drink. I had taken the so-called "cures," but to no purpose.

She consented to see me, and was kind to me when I called. I saw that in the few years since I had seen her a great physical and mental change for the better had been wrought in her. She had formerly been an invalid for about ten years. She told me that Christian Science had healed her, and seeing my awful physical and mental condition, as well as knowing my seemingly hopeless financial troubles, she asked why I did not try Christian Science. I told her that I was ready to try anything, but that no power on earth could help me. At this time I was in the advanced stages of an awful disease, and materia medica had failed me, as had the so-called healing waters of some noted springs; but "man's extremity is God's opportunity." I took the midnight train to Boston, after promising to meet my wife the following Wednesday and go with her to The Mother Church to hear the testimonies.

I reached Boston saturated with whisky, and stayed so until that Wednesday evening, when I met my wife at the South station and we went to church together for the first time in our lives. I was still under the influence of drink; but one testimony greatly impressed me, and I thank God for that testimony to this day. It was given by a minister who had been healed in Science, and who told how from his pulpit he had often attacked what he thought to be Christian Science, and then stated that if Science could change him, there was hope for any man. After service my wife called a practitioner on the telephone. He came to the hotel and had a talk with her,—I did not see him. He agreed to take my case, making an appointment for the following morning at ten o'clock. I went to him, still under the influence of drink, but he was kind and loving. I told him I was down and out in every way, and also spoke about my physical condition, which was serious. The liquor condition was evident, and needed no telling. I acknowledged that I knew nothing of Christian Science, but that if it could cure me, the days of miracles were not past. I had drunk to excess for years, and whisky had seemed to be the curse of my grandfather and uncles as well as of my brothers.

The practitioner reminded me of the Master's declaration that "with God all things are possible." Then he gave me treatment (I had no money to pay him) and told me to return the next day, which I did. My wife left Saturday for Springfield, and I attended services Sunday at The Mother Church. I think I took my last drink that day. The desire for liquor left me so completely and naturally that I do not recall the last time I drank. Monday I went to my kind friend, the practitioner, and told him there was no use in my going to the office, as the affairs of the company were in such a condition that all I could do was to lock up the offices and tell the employees to go. The practitioner took up "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, and read aloud to me from page 67, lines 4 to 17; then closing the book he said, "Your place is at your desk; go there, for God can take care of you and the business." At ten o'clock two men whom I had never before met, but of whom I knew through correspondence, came in together, one from New York, the other from Newark, N. J. I told them of our business troubles, and the following day they took the five o'clock boat back to New York, having arranged compromises which took care of the financial problem, so that I received security for the full amount of money I had invested in the company, besides my back salary and an amount which more than met all present needs. That corporation is going on today, and from last accounts is doing well.

Then began my struggle for physical health; so I came to New York, my wife caring for me, and received Christian Science treatment. I was two years getting complete physical healing, and I thank God now that it was so, for I had to read, work, and study day and night to get this truth. Now I have it, and on its sure foundation I am safe for all time. I am completely healed. If any one is interested, I can refer him to the doctors who treated me and were unable to heal me, and show them the old scars that are fast disappearing. I have proved this truth from every standpoint. My wife and I are happy and united again, and all is indeed harmonious. I have even been healed of wearing glasses. I speak in all truth and sincerity when I say that the human being does not exist who is so far gone that Christian Science cannot help and save him. I thank God for dear Mrs. Eddy. I also thank God that she was so brave and true that though mortal error persecuted, slandered, and maligned her, still she guarded this lamp of Truth so that my frail bark was lighted to the safe harbor of divine Love. I pray God that I may live so as to be worthy to be called a Christian Scientist. I am thankful to all those who have helped me on the way.

B. Palmer Lewis, New York, N. Y.