After studying Christian Science for several years, I realized that although I thought I understood a little of the letter, I had not grasped the spirit of this Science. I had no occupation, and I had no skill by which to earn my own living. Fear of tuberculosis prevailed in my family, and two members had passed on from it. I had an attack of pleurisy and was staying in a preventorium during my convalescence, which the doctor said would last at least a year or more, and that even after that I would still have to take every precaution.
With the declaration of war, the institution in which I was staying was requisitioned by the Army. My family had been evacuated from our home, and I found myself alone in Paris one morning, scarcely recovered and without money or a place to live. With no other human recourse than public assistance, I relied wholly on God, and the same day I secured food and lodging for several days. I can state joyfully that from that moment a new life began for me. I had to learn that God is not only Principle, but also infinite, ever-present Love. I had to learn to think and to say aloud to those who questioned me, "All is well."
Each day brought proofs of divine Love's presence. For hours I read free Christian Science literature, and each day I had food and was able to do whatever needed to be done. Before long I was offered a storekeeper's job in a sheet-iron works. At first this work seemed beyond my physical strength. The winter of 1939-1940 was quite severe, and often I had to carry heavy objects, exposed to inclement weather. This employment made me work diligently in Science. Five months later, when I passed the examination for military service and went into the army, I possessed health and physical strength such as I did not have before, and above all, I had a demonstrable understanding of Christian Science.
