Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/199

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WITH THE A. E. F. IN FRANCE

many of the men were busy in the morning, and others were out quite a distance and could not get in before that time. The attendance varied, as the troops were constantly changing, but it averaged from thirty to forty-five. The room was generally full of earnest, thoughtful men, eager to hear the Word of God. The congregation was made up from all ranks of the army, Generals, Colonels and all classes of other officers and numbers of enlisted men. These mingled and talked together in a way that is only possible through Christian Science. We were most fortunate about our music. During the whole time we had a solo singer—once or twice boys with really remarkable voices, and the solo added much to the service and was enjoyed and appreciated by all.

“We held our testimonial meeting after the service. This was found advisable, as otherwise many men, who could not come in at any other time, would have been deprived of this meeting. Some very thrilling and interesting testimonies were given, which were certainly proofs of God's protecting care.

“There were many calls for help for all sorts of diseases—Spanish influenza, dysentery, drunkenness, sensuality, smoking, rheumatism, men who had been gassed, those who had been wounded and were in the hospital, etc. In many cases the men were directed to the use of the Concordances. One case of influenza was healed in this way and the young man told me afterwards that he had had a fear of tuberculosis for many years, which had left him at this time.

“In September, 1918, the War Relief Committee sent 2500 francs to be presented to the Mayor for the relief of the refugees or other victims of the war who were in Langres. The Mayor received us with a great deal of ceremony in his office, the General's aide going as interpreter. The letter was read with great care and attention and other officials were called in to hear it. The Mayor was most profuse in his thanks and said if at any time he could help in the work he would be very glad to do so. During the interview he was asked to correct, if possible, an impression that had gone out in the

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