Article October 30, 1902 Issue

The Lectures

with contributions from McChesney, H. Reese Marlatt

Every seat of the large auditorium of First Church of Christ, Scientist, was occupied last night [October 7]. Chairs filled every available space and people even sat in the organ loft. The occasion was a lecture by F. J. Fluno, M.D., C.S.D., on the subject of "Christian Science a Reasonable and Rational View of All Things." Professor McChesney, former principal of the Oakland High School, introduced the speaker in the following words:—

I presume that every one present will concede that as the centuries have passed there has been a gradual change in human thought from a mere material view of the world to one partaking more or less of the spiritual. I say a gradual change, and I may also say that at times the change was so slight that it was well-nigh imperceptible. There have been times when there seems to have been a retrograde movement. The careful reader of history, however, must recognize the fact that there has been a constant uplift of human thought from the material to the spiritual. Were this not so, Christianity has not fulfilled its mission and will have much to answer for. Nearly two thousand years ago Christ appeared, and by his words and deeds gave a wonderful impetus to a spiritual growth among his followers, and so of others who listened to their teachings. But materialism and spirituality are so diametrically opposed to each other, and human thought is so inclined to work along the lines of least resistance, that a mere material view is difficult to overcome. This fact has been fully recognized during the Christian era, and we see that numberless expedients have been resorted to in order that the spiritual side of man might have a more satisfactory growth. Asceticism in various forms has been practised, the idea being that by mortifying the flesh the spiritual sense would be quickened. Men and women have shut themselves away from a wicked world, hoping and trusting that in the seclusion of a monastic life they would catch glimpses of beatific visions which were denied to ordinary mortals. By these and other expedients, which I cannot dwell upon at this time, men have sought to save them selves from sin and thus prepare themselves for a place, after life's fitful dream had passed, where all would be joy and peace. Theories were promulgated; some beautiful, but evanescent; some ingenious, but impractical; others learned or dogmatic, but all failed to a large extent in presenting truth so that it might be a working basis of action, equally adapted to the ignorant and the learned. Men saw away in the distance a faint light, but they were unable, however much they mortified the flesh or however skilled in dialectics they might become, to approach it sufficiently near to bask in its vivifying beams. Let me not be understood as affirming that the numberless sects which have arisen during the centuries have not been productive of good. On the contrary, I think they have been of great value in leading to a higher standard of thinking and living. Their very existence is evidence of the longing of the human soul for a truth which satisfies and is equal to all emergencies, and thus it has happened that even imperfect and unsatisfactory religious beliefs and practices have had their value in raising mankind to a more perfect understanding of God and of themselves as related to Him.

During the last quarter of a century a new candidate has arisen for the consideration of those who seek a higher spiritual life. It has spread with such remarkable force and rapidity throughout the Christian nations that it merits our serious attention and study. If I may be permitted a personal remark I would say that while I am not a Christian Scientist, still, from my limited observation of its influence over the lives and conduct of its followers, and my imperfect understanding of the truths on which its teachings are based, I consider Christian Science worthy the investigation of all who believe in a higher spiritual life and would like to enjoy the consolations it affords. If the sick are healed, if men are made to love justice and truth, if they are imbued with that love for God and man which surpasseth understanding, then Christian Science cannot be from the devil, but must have its source and origin in the fountain of God. If the fruit is love, the tree must draw its nourishment from a like quality.

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