The Lectures

At Chicago, Ill.

Second Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago, was filled to overflowing, December 31, 1901, with an audience unusually sympathetic and showing marked intelligence. The lecture on Christian Science was delivered by Mr. Edward A. Kimball, C.S.D., who was introduced by Mr. Bicknell Young, First Reader of Second Church of Christ, Scientist, of Chicago.

Mr. Young made the following introductory remarks:—

On the eve of a new year, we are involuntarily reminded of the conditions of human thought which ever repeat themselves in the history of the race.

The resolutions, the hopes, the prayers, the disappointments, the dreads of the future, the regrets of the past, all these crowd in upon the minds of mortals, especially at every recurring new year, as varied and conflicting emotions. What becomes of all the fervent prayers, the good resolutions, the hopes, the ambitions that are stirred into existence by the recollection of past failure or the desire for future success. Most of them seem to be as ephemeral as the breath of a passing song. What an ocean of sadness might be evolved from all the tears engendered by hopes deferred and promises broken.

Why are so many resolutions, good resolutions, proven valueless? Why do so many sincere prayers fail? Why should joy be a trembler and hope forever a cheat? Christian Science is able to answer these questions, and it offers a remedy, a scientific remedy, for the sad conditions which they suggest.

Therefore a lecture upon this subject is peculiarly appropriate at this time. Christian Science shows divine Love to be not merely a beautiful theory, but the actual fact of being, by means of which a man can heal his diseases, reform his character, and guide his life. Could a more appropriate and blessed message be given to you and me on this new year's eve?

The joy of Christian Scientists would not be complete if they might not share it with others. The members of this church welcome all friends here this evening with the most heartfelt cordiality. Should some be induced by this event to investigate Christian Science still further, our joy will be increased manyfold through our conviction of their increased happiness and the satisfaction that they will experience. Their first footprints in this path may be the footprints spoken of in the "Psalm of Life," "Footprints on the sands of time,"

We are glad that our first lecture in this, our new home, has fallen upon such an auspicious date.

We are grateful to have one who will speak from a grand experience in Christian Science work, and we thank him for coming to us to-night. May we be able to listen with our hearts in order that we may hear and heed the message he bears.

I have the pleasure and honor to introduce Mr. Edward A. Kimball of this city, a member of the Board of Lectureship of the Mother Church.

At Lincoln, Neb.

Edward A. Kimball of Chicago, member of the Board of Lectureship of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, lectured at the Oliver Theatre last night (January 10, 1902) on the subject of Christian Science. The first floor of the building was filled, and the balcony contained quite a number of people, eager to hear what the noted lecturer had to say on the subject.—Nebraska State Journal.

Chancellor E. Benjamin Andrews of the State University introduced Mr. Kimball. He said:—

All persons familiar with history know that there have been many different apprehensions of Christianity. Christianity is not peculiar in this. The disciples of Socrates divided into many sects; the followers of Kant, the followers of Hegel, could not agree. The same is true in the case of all humanity's foremost teachers. Each one's doctrine is so vast that the average disciple is unable to seize more than a single aspect. Little else could be expected than that extreme differences of opinion should exist regarding the teachings of Jesus Christ. Such variety of view seems to us to be one proof of Christ's supernatural character. It evinces the immensity, not the poverty of his vision. We who call ourselves orthodox too easily think we have come to the final apprehension of Christianity. Is it wise to assume so much, however satisfied we may be that we are right? Others are approaching the problem in a different frame of mind. The Chancellor declared his belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ, but said he did not dare to assume he had fully or finally fathomed these teachings. He advised all who might be like himself sceptics to remember that while all new beliefs have been opposed, orthodoxy, in nearly all instances where it has set itself against alleged new insights, has been forced to make concessions. He asked that what the speaker of the evening had to say be received in a friendly frame of mind. He was glad that the Lincoln Scientists had brought to Lincoln one of the best accredited apostles of the new doctrine. Mr. Kimball was introduced to the audience and thanked the Chancellor heartily for what he had said.—Correspondence.

At Louisville, Ky.

The lecture of Judge Wm. G. Ewing of Chicago, at Macauley's Theatre, drew a large audience. In introducing the speaker Mr. B. S. Josselyn said:—

Ladies and Gentlemen:—The lecture you have been invited to attend, is given under the auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Louisville, and in its behalf I extend to you a cordial welcome,—a welcome with outstretched arms full of that love which is born of God. We all love the same God and Father, the same Jesus Christ, our Saviour and your Saviour, and we want to get closer together by being better understood. We love you as we do all God's children, and want you to love us. We are aware that Christian Science is ridiculed because not understood. It is for the purpose of telling you the Truth about it that this lecture is given.

For many years I was weary and heavy laden with sin, sickness, selfishness, and many other undesirable things, and found peace, health, and happiness, became a better husband and father, a better business man, and a better servant of God, by reading and absorbing without prejudice, what is contained in the Bible, through the light thrown thereon by "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Christian Science text-book, written by Mary Baker G. Eddy. This book makes the Bible more clear and consequently more dear, and enables us to obey the commands of Jesus in the healing of the sick and sinful, and has brought peace, health, and happiness into many homes, formerly filled with inharmony of every sort. In the words of St. John the Evangelist, "It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is Truth."

We have with us this afternoon, Hon. William G. Ewing, ex-Judge of the Superior Court of Chicago, and formerly United States District Attorney for Illinois. He is a member of the Board of Lectureship of the Mother Church at Boston, and will now address you, taking for his subject, "Christian Science: Physician and Redeemer." I now have pleasure in introducing to you Judge William G. Ewing of Chicago.

At Evanston, Ill.

It was with deep gratitude that First Church of Christ, Scientist, had the privilege of giving the people of Evanston another opportunity to hear a lecture on Christian Science.

The seating capacity of the church was filled Saturday evening January 4, and much interest was manifested by the audience in the logical and inspiring discourse given by Mr. Edward A. Kimball. Mr. Holmes Hoge the First Reader made the following introductory remarks:—

My Friends:—In the name of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Evanston, I extend to you a warm and sincere welcome.

Some years ago there was organized by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, what is known as the Board of Lectureship for the purpose of correcting erroneous impressions regarding the teachings of Christian Science that seemed to find lodgement in the minds of many and to disseminate a knowledge of what Christian Science is as far as it would be possible to do so in short discourses from the platform. As I look into your faces this evening I see many who have through the aid of Christian Science been lifted from low conditions into which they had fallen through sin and sickness, without hope, into their true heritage of happiness and health. Then they were cast down and depressed in mind and body, but now they are possessed of healthful bodies and minds, and are in the full vigor of manhood and womanhood. Where distress reigned in the homes of some now Love sits enthroned and its rich fruitage is everywhere apparent, and all this has come through aid given by Christian Science.

We are happy to have with us this evening one who is devoting his whole time and energy to Christian Science work. He needs no formal introduction to an Evanston audience, as it was his privilege, as it is now ours, to be a resident of our beautiful city. He will tell you, as far as he is able in the time allotted, what Christian Science is and what it is not.

I take pleasure in presenting Mr. Edward A. Kimball of Chicago, a member of the Board of Lectureship of the Mother Church in Boston.

At Des Moines, Ia.

Tuesday's News gave a brief synopsis of the lecture of Edward A. Kimball, C.S.D., of Chicago, on Monday evening (January 6, 1902) at Foster's Opera House, under the auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist. Those who are curious to know the tenets of this sect will be interested in a fuller report of the address.

Mr. Kimball was introduced to the large audience by Miss Mary Stewart, who said:—

Friends:—In the name of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of this city, I bid you welcome.

We are happy that Des Moines has so heartily responded to our invitation to listen with us to a lecture on a subject which is so rapidly gaining the thoughtful attention of the world.

We have asked to address you this evening, not a theorist, but one who will speak from the basis of a broad and practical knowledge of the Principle of Christian Science, and of its benefits to mankind.

You will understand that he cannot give to you and to me in an evening's lecture what he perhaps has spent years in acquiring; nor is it possible fully to explain a science and its operation in an hour or two. Let us not, therefore, by an unreasonable expectation, deprive ourselves of what is for us.

You remember when we were children we were told a story with a moral about a dog with a piece of meat in his mouth, who, when he saw his reflection in a pool of water, relinquished what he had for that which he hoped to get.

Several years ago there was established by the Mother Church of this denomination a Board of Lectureship. The lecturer of this evening is a member of that board, and therefore speaks with authority. You may accept what he says as truly setting forth the fundamental teachings of Christian Science as to the cause and scientific cure of disease.

I now have the pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, of presenting to you Mr. Edward A. Kimball, C.S.D., of Chicago.

At LaGrange, Ill.

The lecture by Edward A. Kimball of Chicago, Sunday afternoon, January 5, attracted probably the largest and most appreciative audience that has assembled in LaGrange for some time. The fine auditorium of the town hall was comfortably filled, even the chairs in the gallery having occupants. The stage was decorated with palms and cut flowers, and Henry Werno, ex-president of the village board and First Reader of the LaGrange Church of Christ, Scientist, under whose auspices the lecture was given, presided and introduced the speaker. Mr. Werno said:—

Friends:—You have been invited here to listen to a lecture on Christian Science by a member of the official Board of Lectureship of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, and on behalf of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of LaGrange, I bid you a cordial welcome. The representative of this board who is to address us this afternoon is not a stranger to LaGrange, as he delivered the first lecture on Christian Science given here, about three years ago. His practical experience in all the departments of this great movement enables him to speak with authority, and he will tell you the truth about Christian Science, what it is, and what it is doing for mankind through the discovery of the cause and the scientific cure of all the ailments to which mortal man is subject. If you will listen attentively to his words they will add to every healthful, uplifting, and loving thought that you may hold in your consciousness. In obedience to the command to love your neighbor as yourself, and in grateful acknowledgment of the privilege extended to us, we offer to you this lecture as a message of love and good-will. I now have the privilege of presenting to you Mr. Edward A. Kimball of Chicago.—Suburban News, LaGrange, Ill.

At Peoria, Ill.

The lecture delivered last Sunday (January 12, 1902) at the Grand Opera House by Hon. William G. Ewing of Chicago was a revelation to most of the large audience, numbering, as it did, many who had never before heard so clear an elucidation of this interesting subject. Judge Ewing is known as a man of high intellectuality, and his reputation on the bench, his ability as a lawyer, and his argumentative qualities naturally brought out a representative audience, which included many of our professional and business men. The house was filled with eager hearers of all denominations when this distinguished representative of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship of The First Church of Christ. Scientist, of Boston, made his appearance. Mayor William F. Bryan introduced the speaker, making some graceful allusions to the belief and being delighted at the cultured hearers he found present.

Judge Ewing had for his subject: "Christian Science: Physician and Redeemer," and his words were carefully followed. He spoke for an hour and a quarter, holding the rapt attention of his auditors and proving to be a convincing and logical reasoner.—The Peoria Journal.

At Beatrice, Neb.

The lecture last evening at First Church of Christ, Scientist, by Edward A. Kimball, was well attended, nearly all the available space in the audience room and on the platform being occupied.

The speaker was introduced by the Rev. Edmond Erb, who spoke of the progress of thought, and in reference to the subject of the evening, said he thought it would not be out of place to compare it to the discovery of the X-ray as applied to the spiritual world.

The subject of the lecture was "The Cause and Cure of Disease." The speaker proceeded to show, by well-chosen illustrations, that the cause of all disease is in mind, and the only real cure is in being governed by divine Mind, as shown and practised by Christ when he was on earth, and as taught in the Bible.

Mr. Kimball is a pleasant speaker and presented his subject in a clear, logical, and forceful manner, which seemed deeply to impress his listeners, who showed their interest by their close attention.—Beatrice Evening Times.