Article April 19, 1900 Issue

The Lectures

Detroit Opera House held an interested audience yesterday afternoon (Monday, April 9) to listen to the free lecture by Edward A. Kimball, C.S.D., of Chicago, an expounder of the doctrines, promises, and accomplishments of the Christian Science faith. Every seat in the parquet and first balcony, as well as in the boxes was taken and many people had to remain standing during the two hours of the lecture. Mr. Kimball is a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship.

The lecturer appeared upon the flower-bedecked stage accompanied by Judge Alfred J. Murphy, who made a graceful speech of introduction. Judge Murphy acknowledged the honor he felt upon being selected for such a purpose by people with whom he had little acquaintance, but admitted that in these days of broad thought and wide tolerance no man can afford to set himself above his fellows, no matter how far he might differ in opinion and belief.

"I would not be honest to those who have honored me by assigning me to this post," said he, "if I did not here publicly assert that at present I dissent from the principles and practices that will be expounded to you to-day. It is written that 'ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' The absence of intellectual freedom is the worst form of human slavery. We are fortunate in this blessed land of ours that free speech is a privilege granted to every one, and this permits no restrictions to be placed upon every honest movement of man. To-day we will give hearing to the explanation of a subject of grave importance. He who comes before you with this message of great promise is a man whose personal worth is such as to command our reverent attention and respectful consideration."

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