Article February 1, 1900 Issue

The Lectures

with contributions from Howard C. Van Meter, Bunyan, Thomas S. Jones, William Somerville

Hon. William G. Ewing of Chicago, formerly judge of the Superior Court in that city, addressed an audience numbering upwards of fifteen hundred people in the Opera House yesterday afternoon (Sunday, January 21) upon Christian Science, its principles and teachings. Judge Ewing came to Utica under the auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist. Although successful in the legal profession, for which he was educated and trained, he has of late devoted his time exclusively to lecturing upon the topic upon which he was heard here. His ability as a speaker, together with his recognized familiarity with the subject, bring crowded houses to listen to him in other places as in Utica. He appears under the direction of the International Board of Lectureship of the Mother Church in Boston. Upon the platform with him yesterday were Hon. Thomas S. Jones, Prof. Timothy L. Roberts, and Pratt G. Smith.

Judge Ewing was introduced by Mr. Jones, who said:—

Ladies and Gentlemen:— For the partiality that has led to my selection as chairman of this large and intelligent audience, composed of representative citizens, I am sincerely grateful. Particularly so because we are to be addressed this afternoon by a gentleman whose learning and ability have placed him in the foremost ranks of the jurists of this country. Religious freedom is one of the cornerstones on which rests our beloved republic. The time has passed when the citizen incurs social ostracism because he does not worship his Creator in the manner his neighbor would suggest. While many of us have not sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the merits or demerits of the claims put forth in behalf of Christian Science, yet if it be true that its disciples and professors are engaged in relieving human suffering and in an honest endeavor to elevate the moral tone and religious standard in the community, is it not entitled to our respectful consideration and moral support? Who has the right to say that this or that Christian society is not God-given and rightfully entitled to a place in the Master's vineyard? Honest, intelligent investigation is to be welcomed and encouraged. The jeweled gates of reason are always open to the free, the clear, and the forceful presentation of truth, while error and its vagaries are likely to be discovered and exposed by intelligent discussion and candid consideration. It affords me very great pleasure to introduce to you Hon. William G. Ewing of Illinois, who will now speak upon the subject of Christian Science.

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