In that memorable eleventh chapter of Hebrews the apostle gives the Christian world a summary of what had been accomplished through faith from the time of righteous Abel down to his own day. Just prior to what is called the ascension, as recorded in Mark's gospel, Jesus stated that signs of healing "shall follow them that believe," those who understand God's law. Recently, when portions of Ohio and Indiana were inundated, many Christian Scientists passed through trying experiences. To listen to the story of those who stood upon housetops in the cold and rain before being rescued in a boat, or of others who were surrounded by both water and fire, and of still others who were marooned in attics, and to hear them tell what a comfort Christian Science was to them, is to be reminded of these words in the Hymnal (p. 70):—

The achievements through faith, as recounted in the epistle to the Hebrews, were no idle tale to these Christian Scientists; they were a vivid reality to many of them. And why? Because of what Christian Science teaches, that God is All-in-all, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient; that God, divine Love, does not send storm, flood, or fire. In I Kings, we read these words spoken by God to the prophet Elijah: "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

Our revered Leader says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 410): "Every trial of our faith in God makes us stronger. The more difficult seems the material condition to be overcome by Spirit, the stronger should be our faith and the purer our love;" and in Isaiah we have this beautiful promise: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." The great joy that possessed Christian Scientists in those hours of patient waiting was this peace of mind which was foretold by the prophet. They believed that God would provide a way whereby they would be rescued, and their faith was justified.

Some favorite passage of Scripture illumined by the teachings of Christian Science, or some declaration of Truth from the writings of our revered Leader, proved a staff upon which to lean. So, instead of coming out of the flood with long-drawn faces, the countenances of Christian Scientists fairly beamed with happiness, for it had been proven more clearly than ever before, how good God is. Notwithstanding that many lost much in the way of earthly possessions, yet they were happy. They knew that divine Love had given them all they possessed, and would again meet their every need. Through this experience there dawned upon consciousness a brighter glimpse of the real meaning of faith, "the substance of things hoped for,"—a glimpse of reality, God's loving care. They marveled and thanked God for the wonderful Lesson-Sermon which had been prepared by the Bible committee many months before for that particular Sunday, their deliverance and this Lesson-Sermon clearly proving how divine wisdom leads.

In passing through this experience, many realized as never before the meaning of these words of the psalmist: "The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea;" and were not a little comforted by another promise: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." It was six weeks before the Scientists in Dayton could hold a testimonial meeting, the two congregations meeting in First Church edifice. Later, the board of education granted Second Church permission to hold services in one of the high school auditoriums. Perhaps a few of the many testimonials given since regular services have been resumed will be of interest:—

A husband and wife whose home was in the flood and fire, the house filled with smoke and terrific heat, told of the great comfort Christian Science was to them. They believed that God would provide a way for them to be rescued, and it came to pass, some members of the household being rescued in a boat, others on a raft.

A lady who, after being given up to die, had experienced a wonderful healing through Christian Science some nine or ten years previous, stated that she thought she had been grateful for her blessings, but that she never knew what gratitude really meant until her deliverance from a most trying experience in the flood. She told how she was able to comfort those of other religious faiths while marooned, and this because of her better understanding of God gained through the study of Mrs. Eddy's writings.

A Christian Science practitioner stated that he was marooned in an attic with forty-five people for two days and nights, the water on the street in front of the house being about eighteen feet deep. During this time some of the number were quite ill, and he was able to help them through Christian Science. All were rescued. Knowing that God's promises were sure, he never doubted but that his family would be saved.

Two women, one a Christian Science practitioner, were driven to the housetop and stood there for twenty hours or more before being rescued. This practitionr spoke of the great comfort gained from these words in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 277): " 'The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice.' No evidence before the material senses can close my eyes to the scientific proof that God, good, is supreme. Though clouds are round about Him, the divine justice and judgment are enthroned."

Two trained nurses resided near a Christian Science practitioner in the flooded district. They had a high estimate of Christian Science, and though driven to the attic by the rising waters, they afterward stated, "We had no fear, for we knew that this Christian Science family were praying for all in the neighborhood."

In a most striking manner were these words from our text-book (p. 570) exemplified: "What if the old dragon should send forth a new flood to drown the Christ-idea? He can neither drown your voice with its roar, nor again sink the world into the deep waters of chaos and old night. In this age the earth will help the woman; the spiritual idea will be understood. Those ready for the blessing you impart will give thanks. The waters will be pacified, and Christ will command the wave." No sooner had the word gone forth that help was needed, than throughout the length and breath of the land there swept a tidal wave of love, and the spiritual idea of the brotherhood of mankind was in a measure comprehended; men knew no creed—Jews, Catholics, and Protestants, all were one family, one God and Father of all being recognized.

The writer is sure that he voices the sentiment of all Christian Scientists in saying that they sincerely thank the Board of Directors of The Mother Church in Boston for sending a worker to Columbus, Ohio, to organize a relief committee for Ohio and Indiana; and they are likewise grateful to all who responded to this call, either with money or clothing. This act of kindness has meant much for the cause here, in that it proves that Christian Science is a practical religion in every respect, whether in the healing of sin and sickness, or in helping people to reestablish themselves in their homes.