Article April 12, 1919 Issue

Extracts from Letters

"A soldier who had been a very timid and self-conscious chap, writes from a little place near Langres, France, referring to some literature I sent him, 'You could have sent me nothing more helpful nor more welcome. How well you have remembered my need in pointing out the article on service. I derived a great deal of benefit from it. This has been a great experience. I would not have missed it for worlds.... The meanness and jealousy about which I wrote you in a former letter has almost entirely disappeared, conquered by Love.'"

"As a discharged soldier passing through Chicago, home-ward bound, I wish to express my deep gratitude for the Camp Welfare work instituted by The Mother Church in the several camps here and abroad. I had been in a state of mental confusion since my arrival at camp, due to a seeming inability in my daily mental work to handle the mesmerism of autocracy and the belief of having no time for the daily study of our Lessons. When finally the influenza ban was lifted and camp services were resumed, it was with a sense of thankfulness that we assembled to hold services.

"Picture twenty earnest men, all eager for the truth, drinking in every word of the service as read from a Reader's rough desk by two of their number, and the fervor put into the hymns! The services of November 17, following the armistice declaration, will be long remembered. The simplicity and harmony manifested banished all discordant thoughts of separation from loved ones; all depression and doubt and self were forgotten in the peace 'which passeth all understanding.' Therefore before passing into civil life again, it seems fitting to acknowledge the help and uplift to the soldier afforded by the hands of church activity."

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