When I was still attending school...

Lawrence M. Edwards

When I was still attending school Christian Science was first brought to my attention. It seemed quite clear to me then that at lat I had found a religion which I could accept and practice. However, instead of accepting it, I sought happiness and joy in material ways. Not until years later, while I was in the armed forces, did I finally reach the end of the road in my search for happiness and peace in materiality.

One Easter Sunday I planned to go to the service held by the Christian Science Society in the town near the camp in which I was stationed. I did not get ready in time, however, and hence missed the service. As the day passed I felt quite strongly that something was definitely lacking and was very much disturbed over the fact that I had not attended the service.

Taking a copy of "Miscellaneous Writings" by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, I went through the fields to a quiet spot by a stream and there read with dawning understanding the article appearing on pages 15–20 under the title "The New Birth." After pondering the message of that article I arose and returned to camp fully convinced of the need to start then and there to achieve a "new birth" by consistent and persistent efforts to study the teachings of Christian Science and to apply them in my daily life.

At that time I was depending for pleasure very much on alcoholic drink and on the social contacts I thought went hand in hand with drinking, although I had had many experiences which should have taught me to do otherwise. As I worked to put my Easter Sunday resolution into practice and to gain growth that would make me worthy of service in the Cause of Christian Science all desire for liquor left me completely.

The time came when I wished to join The Mother Church, and about the same time I had an opportunity to go on furlough. My plans included a visit with friends of long standing with whom in the past I had done a great deal of drinking. As I journeyed homeward the questions kept coming to me: What will they think? How will I be able to withstand the urge to join them in having a drink for old times' sake? Then came the message from our Christian Science Hymnal (No. 325), "Let not thy foolish pride rebel." These words gave me the answer. I saw that it was only my foolish pride of what others might think of me which was trying to keep me from enjoying the complete healing of the drinking habit.

The moral courage to stand firm and to sustain the demonstration of freedom was mine, and as a result the way opened up almost immediately for me to apply for membership in The Mother Church. After the necessary steps had been taken I was privileged to become a member.

Christian Science is helping me daily to sing with the Psalmist (Ps. 16:6), "The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage." As I learn to put into practice the truth, which is available to all men through the study and application of Christian Science, my gratitude to God and my appreciation and understanding of the work of our inspired Leader, Mrs. Eddy, grow.—Lawrence M. Edwards, Brooklyn, New York.

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I am grateful for Christian Science...

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