The Lectures
At Jamestown, N. Y.
In Samuels' Opera House, Sunday afternoon [May 4], before a goodly audience which, aside from the member of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Jamestown, under whose auspices the lecture was given, and those of the general public who were interested to attend, included numbers from Bradford, Warren, Corry, Salamanca, and other nearby towns, Carol Norton, C.S.D., of New York spoke on the subject: "Christian Science as Applied Christianity." He was introduced by Attorney Frank H. Mott of this city, who said:—
Ladies and Gentlemen:—At the Congress of Religions in Chicago in 1893, the design was, I think, that those of different faiths might come to a better understanding of the faith of each, that they might therefore be more sure of the reality of their own. That movement brought together representatives of all the great religious faiths throughout the world, that they might discuss rationally and intelligently the fundamentals of their beliefs.
In a way these addresses under the auspices of the local Christian Scientists represent the same idea. They bring together people of various faiths to listen to a discussion of a particular faith in a rational and intelligent manner. It is in that spirit that I have been asked to preside this afternoon, and so I appear neither as an exponent nor an opponent of the doctrines which will be expounded by the lecturer, but rather as one willing to listen to what any one may have to say upon the various lines of religious thought. And it is creditable to this community, as to any community, that it is willing to study these problems, which concern the temporal and spiritual welfare of mankind, in an effort to arrive at that which is true.
Despite points of difference, I am profoundly interested in any movement, whether it be secular, religious, political, or industrial, one of whose prime purposes is to aid in bringing about that consummation devoutly to be wished—the brotherhood of man—which would hasten the coming of the time when "they helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage." And it is in that spirit and from that view-point that I have great pleasure this afternoon in presenting the talented and scholarly gentleman who has on two previous occasions discussed the subject before a Jamestown audience, Carol Norton of New York, who will now address you on "Christian Science as Applied Christianity."
Mr. Norton spoke for more than an hour, holding the close attention of his audience throughout.
The Journal, Jamestown, N. Y.
At Helena, Mont.
An audience of generous proportions greeted Edward A. Kimball of Chicago, at the Helena Theatre last evening [April 18] when he lectured on "The Cause and Scientific Cure of Disease." The introductory speech was by Rev. Leslie Willis Sprague, pastor of the Unitarian Church. So eloquently was it delivered that the lecturer of the evening was moved to speak in words of appreciation of " the beautiful introduction." "Montana is to be congratulated," he went on, "upon the fact that she has within her borders a minister who is broad enough, catholic enough to give utterance to sentiments such as these."
The Helena (Mont.) Independent.
The introductory remarks were in part as follows:—
The genius of our Anglo-Saxon race is that of freedom,—freedom of thought, of speech, and of act. Above all, this freedom pertains to religion; and the Constitution of the United States, in guaranteeing the right of every man to worship God according to the dictates of his conscience, is the legal embodiment of the purpose of our race.
Among us there should be not only no persecution, but more, there should be no suspicion, no ostracism. Religion is larger than all interpretations of it. Christianity is vaster and more true than all its sects. Religion is one, however diverse may be the theories men hold concerning it, and it is that which is of the spirit that should unite.
It is my privilege to be here to-night, to represent as I may the citizens of Helena, in extending a welcome to our distinguised visitor. Whatever may be our personal views we may accord a thoughtful and considerate hearing to this representative of a new-old interpretation of a worldold experience.
It is certain that many people all over this land have found new life through the rendering of religion which Christian Science offers. Interested in humanity far more than in churchly sect, I can but rejoice in all the good that has there been accomplished.
As others have been benefited so we may be, and, therefore, I bespeak for the lecturer of the evening an attentive, considerate, and sympathetic hearing, as he testifies to that faith in which thousands have found peace and joy. It is, therefore, my privilege to present to this audience our distinguished guest, one of the noted lecturers on Christian Science, Mr. Edward A. Kimball, who will now address you.—Correspondence.
At Beloit, Wis.
Christian Science, its truths and its doctrines were expounded before a small audience at the Opera House Friday night [April 25], by Dr. Silas J. Sawyer, C.S.D., of Milwaukee. The rain kept at home many who had intended to go. The speaker was introduced by Pres. George L. Collie of Beloit College, who said:—
In a representative American audience like this many shades of belief are found; most of us have what we believe is a reasonable foundation for our several views; nothing short of a mental or moral revolution would dislodge us from it; but, in spite of the ingrained nature of our beliefs, it is characteristic of us as a people that we love fair play and that we are willing not only to accord to others the right to believe as they choose, but are willing to give respectful attention to the claims of other beliefs, we desire to know what there is of value in them.
We have met here to-night to hear about Christian Science, a belief that has had a phenomenal growth. It numbers among its adherents men and women of culture, refinement, and Christian purpose. It is said in some quarters that Christian Science is a fad, an unphilosophical belief, a delusion. In view of its remarkable growth, in view of the high character of its adherents, such statements are far-fetched. There must be something in a belief that wins such support and devotion. We ought to know what that something is; I am glad that we have one to address us to-night who is qualified to tell us the truth about Christian Science. I therefore take great pleasure in presenting Dr. S. J. Sawyer, C.S.D., of Milwaukee, a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Mass., who will speak on the general topic of Christian Science.
The Beloit (Wis.) News.
At Baltimore, Md.
Carol Norton, the well-known Christian Science lecturer, delivered a remarkable address yesterday afternoon [April 27] at Chase's Lyceum Theatre to an audience which entirely filled the body of the house and part of the first balcony. Mr. Norton is a most impressive speaker, and held his hearers in rapt attention as he explained what Christian Science really is and answered many of the recent criticisms of that doctrine.
Mr. Norton was introduced by Hermann S. Hering of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of the city, who said, in part:—
Friends:—The committee in charge of this lecture has asked me, as a member of the Baltimore Church, to preside on this occasion and to introduce to you the lecturer of the evening.
It gives me great pleasure to do this, first, because Christian Science is the subject which is dearest to my heart, for it has wrought in me a wonderful change of health and has revealed to me the great demonstrable truth about God, man, and the universe, the understanding of which has already enabled me to solve many problems of existence; and, secondly, because the lecturer is one of my closest friends in the denomination.
While a young and successful business man he suffered from a long siege of sickness which the best physicians failed to raise. His attention was directed to Christian Science, and after having treatment he soon became well and strong. He subsequently investigated and studied its teachings and found in it a most satisfying faith.
Before presenting the lecturer to you, I will say that, owing to the many popular misconceptions concerning Christian Science, the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder and Leader of the denomination, found it best to establish as a part of the educational system of the movement a Board of Lectureship, entitled the Christian Science Board of Lectureship of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., composed of thoroughly competent persons, who can speak correctly and with authority on the subject.
I now have the pleasure of presenting the lecturer of the evening, Mr. Carol Norton.—Baltimore (Md.) Hereld.
At Blue Springs, Neb.
Edward A Kimball of Chicago, delivered a lecture in the Opera House Monday evening [April 28] upon Christian Science. The lecture was one of the best and most interesting as well as one of the most eloquent and able ever heard in the city.
The lecturer was introduced by Ezra M. Buswell, C.S.D., of Beatrice who said in part:—
Friends:—In behalf of Nebraska First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Blue Springs, we welcome you here to-night. You have heard a good deal about Christian Science in the last fourteen years. You have seen a little of it in your midst. I have no doubt but that many of you have heard much more about Christian Science on the streets than you have from us or from the text-book written by Mary Baker G. Eddy. Now it is because so much is said on the subject (and not always wisely said) that the Mother Church of Boston has established a Board of Lectureship, whose members speak with authority as to what Christian Science is and teaches.
Christian Scientists believe that God is the present helper, ready to help us in all things when we ask Him aright; they rely altogether on prayer, made practical in their lives.
Now, friends, I have the pleasure of introducing to you a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, Mr. Edward A. Kimball of Chicago.
The Sentinel, Blue Springs, Neb
At Pembroke, Ont.
On Friday evening, April 18, Mr. Carol Norton, C.S.D., of New York, delivered a lecture on Christian Science in the Town Hall. The hall was well filled with an attentive audience, which listened carefully for about an hour and a half.
The speaker was introduced by Police Magistrate S. E. Mitchell, who said, in part:—
Ladies and Gentlemen:—At the request of friends, I accepted the position of chairman to-night, not because I am in sympathy with Christian Science, but as a town official. I frankly avow I know little of this new belief (what I have heard has been largely that which would prejudice), but I believe in that Christian charity and tolerance which we are taught to have for one another. I bespeak for the speaker your unprejudiced and best attention. I now have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr. Carol Norton, C.S.D., of New York, who will address you.
Correspondence.
Lectures at Other Places.
Missoula, Mont.—Edward A. Kimball, April 17.
Santa Monica, Cal.—F. J. Fluno, March 25.
