HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
The minister of an Evangelical Church on the island of Elba was sent a sum of money by the Committee to be used among the needy members of his congregation. Of two families who were helped through the fund he writes:
“In closing this letter of gratitude allow me to refer to some blessings that have come to two of the above-mentioned families. A little grandson of C. fell ill and the doctor pronounced it a case of typhoid fever. The child is a pupil in the fourth class of the Evangelical School. When I went to see him, I found all the family in the utmost despair thinking the child was as good as dead. I spoke boldly of the power of faith and said how absurd it was to think a young boy should have to die. I called to mind the miracles of Jesus and assured them the child would not die. Thanks be to God, he recovered.
“In the family P., the head of the house, a soldier at the front, was wounded in the body by a shell. His sisters had not the courage to tell their old mother, though all the town knew about it. I went to tell her so that her faith might be awakened before she heard the sad news. We all realized the young man would be saved. God has surely restored him to life. Now he is again at the front and is expected home for the winter leave.
“The light of faith and of life has been lacking in the world. Hence war and death. But Life triumphs over death.”
It is to be noted that the Italian woman, whose grateful letter follows, is anxious to learn English so that she may read about Christian Science.
“I feel very sorry that I cannot speak and understand English. However, I hope to learn some day and with the language I shall learn so many good things which I need. My husband tries to study English in order to understand the treasures contained in those little books that you gave him. They are his companions and consolation in his forced and temporary exile. (He is a soldier.) . . . Christian Sci-
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