Article September 20, 1919 Issue

Confidence

HAROLD D. COLTER

Christian Science was indeed a wonderful help to the writer while he was serving in the ranks as a soldier. On our departure from Canada the conditions aboard ship were very unfavorable, and therefore the disease prevalent at that time found many victims. Some of my very best friends never had the experience of reaching England, and for a time every one called our boat the doomed ship. While I had been what one might call a lukewarm student of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" up to my leaving Canada, I was very much awakened out of my dream and saw that I had to put forth a great deal of honest mental effort. I was thorwn upon my own resources to work out my problems, whereas before that time I was always willing to call for my loving mother's assistance; but the words quoted in Science and Health (p. 266), "Man's extremity is God's opportunity," brought home a wonderful lesson to me.

Each day the moment I arose from my hammock I began to know the truth about my situation and relationship to God. Everywhere about me there seemed to be darkness and dismay; every turn I made it seemed I ran into some material phase of error; but the moment I went above deck I studied my little copy of Science and Health, tried hard to grasp firmly the contents, and then went "about my Father's business" rejoicing. Every minute of the day I clung steadfastly to the truth, and many times throughout the long nights while on board ship, upon waking my first thought was to declare and know that I was being divinely taken care of. I was therefore indeed grateful to arrive on English soil feeling fine and awakened to the fact that working out my own problems, relying on God, good, under all circumstances, was indeed a big blessing to me. My understanding assisted me wonderfully with the men I had to instruct, knowing that I could reflect only love toward them all and receive the same from them in return. On our return trip to Canada we experienced very rough weather, few being able to come on deck; but I am glad to say that I was in perfect health all the voyage back and arrived home in time for a happy Christmas.

I had enlisted to serve Principle,—and surely I was rewarded. Each day I am trying to show forth my thanksgiving in studying and living right. In the first sentence of the Preface to Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings." This was a great help to me throughout my military career, especially while being tossed about by the waves in mid-ocean apparently with very little material protection. My safety, however, was in clinging steadfastly to Truth. The words of the psalmist brought a wonderful sense of protection, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

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