With a grateful and happy heart I wish to testify to the wonderful manner in which God's love protected and guided me during the war and the help which I have received through Christian Science. As I was going to the front, this serious question confronted me: "What stand shall I take toward my opponent during the battle?" The answer was the simple statement: made by Mrs. Eddy in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 9): "'Love thine enemies' is identical with 'Thou hast no enemies.'" It became clear to me that if I had no enemies I would never be placed in a position where I would have to defend myself against them or be compelled to injure them. With this firm assurance I departed, not to the war, but to work in the vineyard of the Lord. And this assurance was not in vain, for, although I was in the front line and had to patrol far into enemy territory, I was never placed in the position where it was necessary to use weapons. Beliefs of sickness vanished almost immediately through the declaration of the truth. Poisoning from the strong French gas was harmless and left no after effects. None of my men, during the whole time they were under my command, were killed, wounded, or captured, this being visible evidence that God was protecting and guiding me. At one time I was in the same camp with a good comrade with whom I frequently spoke of Christian Science and read the Bible and the textbook. Many a night we sat there speaking of God's love and faithfulness, while the others were sleeping; and while we were spending beautiful hours in our narrow quarters, a terrible battle was raging to the right of us and to the left of us, but our quarters were quiet. We were both somewhat disappointed when we had to leave these quarters, but a short time afterwards the enemy made an attack in that exact place, took possession of the trenches, and captured our entire station. Several times I escaped being captured in like manner.
Frequently, while reading the Lesson in the rest quarters at night. I saw the cannon light up and the shells strike in the distance. Then I exclaimed involuntarily: "Through this fire you must again pass when you resume duty." But I had no sense of fear; spontaneously the comforting promises of our Master came to my mind. Never before had I realized their deep, practical meaning as clearly as then. Through these trying hours and the severe hardships of this warring time, Christian Science helped me wonderfully. I hardly noticed them and often wondered when my comrades were dissatisfied and complained. I have been able to encourage many a one who was worrying about his dear ones at home, or who feared for the future. I was ever prepared with advice and comfort, for I myself was being so wonderfully sustained and comforted. Only once did my faith seem to desert me. Like Peter, I had not looked upon the Christ, but upon the storm which had arisen. Then one inharmony after another came over me, and I wished myself far away from these terrible surroundings. Wholly discouraged and physically weary. I threw myself upon my bed and pondered what I could do to get away from the front. Suddenly, as a bright light, the passage from our textbook came to me: "Every mortal at some period, here or hereafter, must grapple with and overcome the mortal belief in a power opposed to God" (Science and Health, p. 569). So strong was the power of this illumination, that the recent sense of lassitude and the depressed state of mind vanished instantly. I felt quickened as never before and became conscious of rest and peace—the true, pure peace of God.
Often when a severe problem confronted me and our position appeared dangerous, a sudden thought would come as an angel to me and lift me above the current of fear and horror. Never in my life will I forget these times, and never again will I doubt the truth of divine Science, which our beloved Leader has again given to us.— Braunschweig, Germany.
