I have long wished to avail myself of the privilege of...

F. H. Howard Buchanan

I have long wished to avail myself of the privilege of expressing heartfelt gratitude for the sense of protection and peace which Christian Science has enabled me to realize, and therefore have great pleasure in sending this testimony from that part of the field which is at present the scene of "conflicting forces" (Science and Health, p. 96), and wherein I have enjoyed the most wonderful demonstrations.

To mortal sense and from a material standpoint my surroundings could hardly seem more dangerous or inharmonious. During the past ten months I have been engaged as an infantry officer, and for the greater part of this time have been domiciled in the front line fire trenches of the British forces. In the course of my duties I have had to live for several days and nights in some of the most exposed and unpleasant corners, where I and my men were constantly exposed to shell and rifle fire and continued bombardment.

In the worst of these times I have never yet failed to enjoy perfect poise and harmony, and to realize in great measure something of that peace "which passeth all understanding." This I have accomplished through having learned in Christian Science the truth of the psalmist's words, "Power belongeth unto God," also Mrs. Eddy's statement that "to acknowledge any other power is to dishonor God" (Science and Health, p. 228). When my need for peace and harmony has been greatest, I have turned at once in thought to God, divine Principle, and thereby entered through silent prayer and communion with Spirit into "the secret place of the most High."

Thus abiding under the almighty power of God, Life, Love, and Truth, I have been able thoroughly to demonstrate that neither strife nor turmoil can enter that secret place. This has indeed been to me a wonderful blessing. In my daily exercise of knowing the truth I have received never failing help from the ninety-first psalm and from our beloved Leader's exhortation commencing: "Beloved Christian Scientists, keep your minds so filled with Truth and Love, that sin, disease, and death cannot enter them. It is plain that nothing can be added to the mind already full. There is no door through which evil can enter, and no space for evil to fill in a mind filled with goodness. Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 210). "Good thoughts" have indeed shielded me "from the attacks of error of every sort," and all my men, upon whom my thoughts continually rest in these times and places, have been benefited thereby.

Though constantly in the midst of strife (seemingly), I was able to read the Lesson-Sermon daily. I had also continually with me Science and Health, and received the Journal and other literature, all of which I was able to enjoy when back in rest billets behind "the lines." For all these privileges I am most deeply grateful. Fear has been entirely banished from my consciousness, and naught remains but an ever abiding peace, for I have learned of the omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience of God,—and what is more, have been able to demonstrate them in actual experience.

I look forward to the day when I can express in public speech that which I now do in writing,—namely, my deep thankfulness to Almighty God for His loving protection and care, and my gratitude to Mrs. Eddy for her discovery of the truth which makes us free from the bondage of fear, disease, sin, and death.

Lieut. F. H. Howard Buchanan, Norwich, England.

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