Page:Christian Science War Time Activities.djvu/339

 One case of goods, sent out from the rooms in Boston but representing many parts of the field, called forth the following remarks between the head of the organization receiving them, and an assistant:

“Comforts Forwarding Committee—what a symbolic name!”

“Who are they?”

“The Christian Scientists; and their garments are so well made, so carefully pressed and so exactly folded and packed, they are a comfort to the first person who handles them, and the comfort is forwarded.”

“Well, I shall never again allow anyone in my presence to say a single word against them.”

Before disbanding, this was practically the attitude of every organization handling the work. Generosity, bigness of conception, responsibility, reliability became indissolubly connected with the Scientists as a body, in the minds of other war workers. Nor was this all; opportunities for doing little kindnesses for other organizations; helping them fill some order too large for their unaided accomplishment; assisting in the establishment of some organization just struggling into existence, by a loan, a gift, or a friendly word of encouragement, became a recognized function. Yes, the Christian Scientists have given added proof that theirs is a religion of love in the little as well as the big things, and they have made friends, not in propriæ personæ, but as Scientists.

A third important method of distribution was in response to the calls that came direct from the camps, hospitals, embarkation ports, and even the craft about to sail. The Massachusetts War Relief Committee bulletin of July 18, 1918, contains this report: