On page 224 of the Christian Science...

Robert C. Mason, Jr.

On page 224 of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy says, "Truth brings the elements of liberty." It is with a deep sense of humility that I can testify concerning the truth of this statement.

While on a bombing mission over Germany in 1943, our plane was badly damaged and it was soon evident that we must abandon it. The entire crew parachuted without mishap. As soon as I reached the ground I was taken into German custody and in due time arrived at a transient prison camp. Here I was subjected to solitary confinement for a few days. During this time self–pity nearly overwhelmed me, for I began to think that I had been deserted, being without friends and completely surrounded by the enemy. However, I repeated "the scientific statement of being" as found on page 468 of Science and Health. This sense of self–pity immediately left, and I was able to face the German intelligence department, knowing that God was ever with me.

Eventually I reached a permanent camp. Here, within two weeks following my arrival, I met another Christian Scientist, who was also at the camp. He had a copy of Science and Health, as well as a Bible, and an old issue of the Christian Science Quarterly. My gratitude for the use of these was unbounded. This one set of books eventually formed the nucleus of a Christian Science group within the camp. I am happy to say that it was my privilege to act as a Reader for the group.

In spite of the fact that Science had been outlawed by the German government for several years, we were allowed to continue our services and receive reading material from the Christian Science War Relief Committee. During the twenty–one months of my detention I was able to realize some of the elements of liberty of which our Leader speaks. For me they included freedom from illness, the healing of a sprained shoulder, and the realization of sustenance through Spirit at a time when food supplies were low.

One fact which furnished the most comfort was that divine Mind was caring for my family as well as for me. Many times it was proved to me that we were ever united in Mind. Once while reading the Bible this verse stood out almost as though it had been underlined (Ps. 121:8): "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." The same verse was later referred to by my wife in a letter. Thus I realized that we were united in singleness of purpose—to demonstrate the fact that God's goodness is ever operative, regardless of place or circumstance.

I am extremely grateful for the services performed by the Christian Science War Relief Committee. Our camp received several copies of Science and Health and the Bible, as well as a Bible concordance, a Concordance to Mrs. Eddy's writings, several copies of the Hymnal, and a complete set of Mrs. Eddy's prose works other than Science and Health.

Had it not been for Christian Science those days would have been most disheartening. Through the understanding of the protection and guidance of divine Mind the days were filled with activity that was a diversion as well as a useful contribution. It is very difficult for me fully to express the gratitude I have for Christian Science. My experience proved to me that "whatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free" (Science and Health, p. 225).—(Capt.) Robert C. Mason, Jr., Buffalo, New York.

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