CHRISTIAN SCIENCE IN THE WAR
ence seems part of his life. And here, Signora, allow me to thank you heartily for the help given to me in money, rent and clothing. I wish I could thank all the Americans who have liberated my children, my husband and myself from the tremendous weight of woe which was upon us.
“All these troubles are forgotten, thanks to you, and to the good friends, I dare say brothers, Scientists of the world. Accept, Signora, my feelings of gratitude and reverence.”
FRANCE
The War Relief Fund of The Mother Church as established in the fall of 1914, was primarily intended to assist Christian Scientists and to help them over a period of temporary financial stress until they should again be able to help themselves. As the love which prompted this offer of assistance was the real substance of the aid extended, it cast out the fear of those in need. Consequently Christian Scientists were, in most cases, soon able to dispense with all financial aid from the fund, hence in the Sentinel of December 5, 1914, the Treasurer of The Mother Church announced that sufficient money was then in hand to meet the needs of Christian Scientists, at the same time asking for further contributions for the relief of non-Scientists who were suffering from the privations entailed by the war.
In France a Committee had been organized jointly from the two churches in Paris for the administration of “The Mother Church Relief Fund.” It now joyously accepted the privilege of extending help to non-Scientists as well as to Scientists. It soon became evident, however, that to let it be generally known that such a fund existed would bring an overwhelming number of appeals for assistance, for at this time the
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