Article May 3, 1900 Issue

Impressions of Mr. Kimball's Lecture

H. D. N.

Edward A. Kimball's lecture in Boston was plainly the product of many hard lessons well learned, and it was therefore admirably adapted for the instruction of others, especially those who are striving to improve their understanding of Christian Science. Not the least value of his lecture was that it showed forth the native attractiveness of Truth, free from any attempt at adornment or persuasion.

Pleading with men to believe as we do, is a kind of mental mendicancy. It suggests doubt as to the worthiness of our beliefs when we lack the faith in those beliefs to let them rest on their merits. Mr. Kimball proved his confidence in the power of the Truth he presented, and he manifested exceeding good taste in its presentment, by courteously refraining from everything like personal exhortation. He let it be seen by his attitude that, in his estimation, the Truth he preached was too greater to need any help that man could give by begging favor in its behalf. All that he could possibly say in so short a time to clear away the mists of misunderstanding was said. Having done this much he was content.

Untempered zeal may tempt one to disregard the intellectual rights and privileges of another, urging him to employ persuasion bordering on violence in order to destroy erroneous beliefs. But the Christian, seasoned by good works and therefore invincibly fixed in the faith that finally every knee shall bend before the Truth, is in no haste. He respects the right of every man to his own opinions, even if they be wrong or possibly dangerous, and does not seek to forcibly wrest them from his possession. The calm Christian Scientist declares what is true and leaves the Truth to do its work.

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