Article March 30, 1918 Issue

Extracts from Letters

"Four of us lieutenants in the United States Army read the Lesson-Sermon together this Sunday morning, in the quiet of a stateroom on a ship on the Atlantic Ocean. The citations were all read from books which had been especially provided for the overseas service on which we are embarked. Can you picture the scene?—four khaki-clad figures—one of the readers perched on the edge of a bunk; the others ranged about in whatever manner the little room permitted. At the finish of the reading, there was voiced the thought that we take up a collection and send the proceeds to you, to be used as you see fit; not so much for the amount as for the evidence and assurance that we think often of those who contribute in so many ways to the success of our present mission. Each of us carries a copy of the khaki-bound, pocket size edition of the textbook, and you can imagine our gratitude for it, as well as for the other writings, Bible, books, and pamphlets we have with us.

"Three of our present number met while on a pilgrimage to The Mother Church and Publishing House en route to the port of embarkation. At that time one expressed a wish that there were available a published list of students of Christian Science who are in the service. The reply came that there is no necessity for such material means of identification and association. This has been beautifully proved. Imagine our feelings when on a following Wednesday evening, in New York City, without any previously announced intention or mutual agreement, each of the three was permitted to voice a testimony, to hear those of his compatriots, and others from so-called civilian life, including one from a member of the Board of Lectureship. It may occur to you that we of the Army so travel and work under sealed orders that we seldom divulge our mission or destination to casual acquaintances, even of like service. So a fresh surprise was experienced when, once on shipboard at port of embarkation, the same members of our group were found together again. And the growth and welfare of our contingent is indicated by to-day's experience.

"What was said in grateful acknowledgment of your loving expressions to us when we were with you, is here repeated. It seems we shall be able to accomplish things, because you make of us channels of good thoughts and work. As never before, the writer feels a tangible, substantial backing of sustaining, impelling thought, for which we cease not to give thanks."

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