Article September 18, 1902 ISSUE

The Lectures

with contributions from Max Wertheimer, Emmanuel Swigert, Geo. Macdonald

Judge Hanna's Initial Lecture

The following paragraphs are taken from a five column report by the Dayton (O.) Herald.

Victoria Theatre, Sunday afternoon, September 7, was crowded with as representative an audience as ever assembled, to listen to a lecture on Christian Science by Judge Septimus J. Hanna of Boston, Mass. The Judge was introduced by Rabbi Max Wertheimer of this city, who a few years ago espoused the Christian Science cause. The Judge was greeted with great applause. His lecture was a masterly production, and ably delivered; clear, concise in every way, and listened to with profound attention. His exposition of this doctrine will enable all who read to better comprehend the dignity of Christian Science, its true worth and work. No one could listen to this lecture and go away and truthfully declare Christian Scientists to be a godless and Christless class of people. Such a noble work to uplift mankind should receive the encouragement of all Christians.

In introducing the lecturer Rabbi Wertheimer spoke, in part, as follows:—

Fellow Citizens and Friends:—Thought rules the world and influences the lives of all. There is very much promiscuous foolish thought as well as correct and loving thought, garbled nonsense as well as awe-inspiring statements of Truth. What then are we to do? The Apostle Paul said, "Prove all things, hold fast that which is good." In the Greek original version, this text is even more emphatically stated and reads thus: "Put to the test all things, hold fast that which is good." I thank Paul for this advice. It gives unmolested scope of research, tolerance, and liberality.

It is only by unprejudiced investigation and testing, by contrasting and comparing all the various systems of philosophy with which mankind has been blessed and cursed, that we can arrive at a logical conclusion as to what is good for all, and what is evil.

Alexander Pope said, "The proper study of mankind is man." Spurgeon said, "It is a deplorably barren subject; say rather, the proper study of mankind is God," and this is the teaching of Christian Science. It begins with an infinite God and sticks to its text of Infinity. Emphasizing this colossal thought of the infinity of Good, we cannot logically assign any permanent power to the counterfeit forces of evil, and this thought is to rule mankind some day.

As a teacher of and contributor to Christian Science literature, the lecturer whom it is my pleasure to introduce, has done unremitting service. For eight years he was intrusted by Mrs. Eddy with the editorship of the weekly Christian Science Sentinel and monthly Journal, during which time he also officiated on Wednesdays and Sundays as First Reader of the Mother Church. He has recently been appointed as an authorized member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship, and you are exceptionally privileged to hear his first public lecture, for which I can safely predict your unstinted attention and grateful satisfaction.

At Maquon, Ill.

A very able lecture on Christian Science was delivered in the M. E. Church by Judge William G. Ewing of Chicago. Close attention was given to the lecture and much interest manifested. Judge Ewing was introduced by Attorney Emmanuel Swigert who spoke in part as follows:—

Ladies and Gentlemen:— We have reason to feel highly honored in having with us the distinguished gentleman whosits upon this platform, and who is to address us this afternoon,—a gentleman who has graced the bench of the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois.

As to the teachings of Christian Science, I am obliged to confess that I know but little, but this age is characterized with a desire to learn. I apprehend that there are many present in this audience this afternoon because of their knowledge of, and sympathy with, the cause of Christian Science; that others, like myself, are here because of their desire to learn the truths evolved from the Science of Christianity, and I am certain that the scholarly and eloquent manner in which the subject will be dealt with by the gentleman who is to address you will prove both pleasing and instructive in the highest sense.

I now have the honor of introducing to you Judge William G. Ewing of Chicago, who will address you on the subject of Christian Science.—Correspondence.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, writing to his daughter, says, "Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget as soon as you can. To-morrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day is all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays."

Is not salvation the uniting of all our nature into one harmonious whole,—God first in us, ourselves last, and all in due order between?—Geo. Macdonald.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit