ENGLAND'S ANSWER TO THE CALL
invariably one of gratitude and courtesy, manifested in such practical ways as taking the mud off their boots at the door, and in their extreme care of the chairs and tables provided. Many of the men sent home some of the literature to their wives and relatives, and in this way interest in Christian Science has spread, accompanied in many cases with quick healing results. One soldier who attended the Rooms sent a beautiful testimony expressing his gratitude for many benefits received through Christian Science—his wife was healed of an internal trouble of seven years' standing, and also of baldness—he, himself, of chronic rheumatism, and he finished his testimony by saying:
“In domestic affairs, in the care of our children, and in our relations with that larger family of God's children, in fact, wherever there is discord, the learning of, and humble obedience to, the teachings of Christian Science promise us great blessings.”
Another man so treasured a Journal which he had been given that he wrote to say he carried it about next his shirt, because he had no pocket large enough to put it in.
Approximately 10,450 men visited the Rooms at Ripon in six months and genuine appreciation and gratitude for the great benefits received were daily expressed.
On October 17, 1918, the first Sunday service was held in one of the largest rooms of the Ripon house at 3 o'clock. An officer and a private acted as First and Second Readers, and there were eight or ten soldiers present besides a few civilians. The numbers attending steadily increased, the last two Sundays, the
219
