CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR
was still the consciousness that as compared with foreign service, they were still at home. The arms of the Mother-land were around them. The usual methods of communication were available; personal gifts, and even personal visits, possible. It was when they left for “over there” that the father and the mother awaited eagerly the first letter announcing their arrival; and how happily they noted that either before sailing or immediately on landing, their depleted outfits had been replenished by the Comforts Forwarding Committee. Sometimes gratitude to this Committee compelled a letter from the parents themselves. Of the many received from the boys, the following will serve as a sample:
“Somewhere in France.
“August 1, 1918.
“Dear Friends:
“This is the first opportunity I have had to thank you for the kind gifts I received from your Committee last February. The weather here is rather chilly at night, and as most of my work is done under cover of darkness, I cannot help appreciating the value of warm clothing.
“One of the ladies of your society was kind enough to call my attention to the 91st Psalm, and although I've had lots of spare time in which to investigate the benefits which she claimed were to be derived from reading it, I have not done so until today, much to my regret. There was in it a message of calm confidence and trust in a Being whom I had known but little in my childhood, and in whose existence I have not had the slightest faith as I grew older. But war is a great school, and I am considerably wiser today.
“I derived special comfort from the fifth and seventh verses, and they will no doubt be my guiding stars when I get at close quarters with old Fritz. So I wish to thank that kind lady most cordially for a good tip.
284
