A Business Man's Letter

Clarence H. Howard

[The following letter is from a well-known business man who has found Christian Science to be a help to him in his business, because through its teachings he has been freed from the worries, fears, quarrels, and physical ills which most business men look upon as the unpleasant, yet inevitable, accompaniments of a busy career. We note with pleasure that Mr. Howard gives honor where honor is due in his reference to Science and Health and its author.—Editor.]

St. Louis, June 25, 1906.

Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy,

Pleasant View, Concord, N. H.

Our Dear Leader:—The world is fast awakening to see the beautiful results of your teachings. The enclosed pamphlet, giving the itinerary of the St. Louis Christian Scientists' special train to Boston, is marked evidence of the attitude of the railroad people toward us. The pamphlet is neat and useful, but in no way advertises the railroad. which got it up as a souvenir and time card of our trip. This was the handsomest train that ever left St. Louis. Each car was either new or fresh from the shops, had every possible convenience, and the train was handled perfectly throughout the trip. The one hundred and twenty-five Scientists were most harmonious throughout and had an ideal trip to the great feast—the dedication of the Extension of The Mother Church. For all of this we owe you a deep sense of gratitude for giving us the text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," since through this text-book we learn the source of all good, and are enabled to use the key that opens the Scriptures to us. It is teaching us to do our work and reap our reward, and gradually we are obtaining our dominion.

My business for many, many years has put me in very close touch with the railroad world, and it would delight you to know how these people respect Christian Science and how many of them are embracing its teachings. In my talk with managers of roads, all are unanimous in saying that Christian Scientists are a fine people to handle, as there is no pushing, crowding, no smoking, no drinking, never any questionings or disputes, etc. They all speak of Scientists as being such a happy, contented, joyous people.

If the world could realize for one moment what Christian Science has done for us, they would never say an unkind thing of it, nor say that we worship you, but would join with us in our love and appreciation of one who was meek, humble, and loving enough to receive the inspiring message from the source of all good,—a message which is contained in that wonderful book, Science and Health,—and which is healing its thousands daily, straightening out the rough places and unraveling our snarls, lifting us from darkness into light from sickness to health, from bondage to freedom. Why should we not be happy, joyous, and most grateful? Christian Science proves to us that as we sow we shall reap. Many wonder at the ability of Christian Scientists to give, but when they understand that true giving always enriches, and that all blessings are infinite and plenteous, then the question is how to receive. The opening we make in giving is the opening through which we receive, and your teachings have shown us how to broaden and enlarge and expand our opening—to receive by our giving.

Your time is so fully taken up that this letter and pamphlet may never reach you, but in writing and acknowledging my gratitude to you I am blessed. I feel especially grateful for Christian Science as it teaches business men to take "stringers" out of their letters and words, thus avoiding many heartaches and rough places for their fellow-men.

Yours in the truth,
Clarence H. Howard.

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