Article March 2, 1899 Issue

As to the Lectureship

THERE seems to be a failure on the part of many of the Churches to understand one of the main purposes for which the Board of Lectureship was instituted. The intention evidently is to reach those who are strangers to the truth regarding Christian Science, or who are interested enough to listen to a public discussion regarding Christian Science, but who, so far, have not been reached by other methods. As a matter of experience, in some cases nine-tenths of the audience will be composed of those who are either strangers or inquirers. A Church, by arranging for a lecture, becomes an instrument for the propagation of the truth regarding Christian Science in the whole community; for when lectures are given in public auditoriums the interest of the press is aroused, and in many cases the whole lecture, or a large part of it, is published, and can be quietly perused at home by those who were not even interested enough to attend the lecture.

When we think of the great effort that is being made through the press and platform and through the publication of pamphlets, to mis-state Christian Science, it seems very clear that all the loyal Christian Scientists should be intensely in earnest at this time, in using all the means which our Leader has furnished them for letting the light of Truth shine.

Any one who has read the published lectures will notice that the life and work of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, have been accorded their true place in history, and will also notice how inquirers are directed to the study of the text-book of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." In view of the unjust attacks which are being made upon the Leader of this great movement, any one can see the importance, not of answering these attacks in the spirit in which they are made, but of stating clearly, earnestly, and lovingly the Truth, so that the earnest seeker and the innocent may not be misled. Also, in view of the misrepresentations regarding Christian Science on the part of those who do not understand it, it is important that all honest seekers should be directed to the text-book from whose pages they not only may learn what the Truth is, but how to demonstrate it and make it a practical force in their lives.

The delay on the part of some of our Churches in not calling a member of the Board of Lectureship to present the claims of Christian Science in their community, seems not in accord with the demands of the hour. The fact, evidenced in these columns, that many of our smaller Churches have easily raised the necessary funds, conclusively proves that the delays are not due to any financial lack. Wherever a Church has been really in earnest, ways and means to pay all the expenses of a lecture have readily been provided. What adequate reason, then, is there for the failure of these Churches to employ this efficient arm of our service? The people of this country are eager to know what Christian Science is. The Lectureship has wisely been provided to meet this need.

What stronger evidence, then, is there of loyalty to the Cause and of obedience to its By-laws on the part of all Christian Science Churches, than to have the lectures regularly as provided for in the Church Manual?

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Showing Faith by Using Means
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