Paducah, K.

Judge William G. Ewing lectured on Christian Science at the Kentucky, Sunday, November 5. He was introduced by Judge Emmet W. Bagby, who said in part,—

Ladies and Gentlemen:—It is a distinct pleasure, and I esteem it a great honor, being a stranger to the Christian Science organization of this city and in nowise committed to its tenets, that I should be selected to introduce to you this afternoon one of its most distinguished representatives. I am confident there are many others who could more acceptably perform the office I shall with some misgivings undertake. Among all who most sincerely seek the truth, no matter what the human limitations by which it is hedged about,—among all earnest, honest, generous souls, there is a kinship, and their friendly co-operation and sympathy may always be depended upon in every effort to convey to the world the blessings which the declaration of the truth confers, no matter what the flag may be under which that truth is borne. It is this benignant sentiment, inculcated by that catholic charity which is preached and practised by the religious organizations in every civilized community, that constitutes the redeeming feature of this wonderful century. I hold that he who imperils the integrity of this beneficent spirit of toleration, or brings disparagement upon it, endangers the peace and retards the progress of society. It is the cultivation and practice of an enlightened toleration, which secures to a people those blessings of civil and religious liberty so freely enjoyed by the citizens of our own beloved republic, and it is the violation of this wholesome rule in the conduct of civic affairs, which produces in government those evils which at this moment so sorely disturb our unfortunate neighbor,—ill-fated Russia. It is the practice of this commendable virtue which assembles here this afternoon this large and intelligent audience, composed of some of the best people from every religious denomination in the city, inspired by an eager desire to hear from the lips of one of its most learned advocates an able presentation and discussion of the doctrines which are to-day attracting the attention and guiding the lives of such a large and respectable body of adherents, an organization that contains some of the best educated, most cultured and refined Christian men and women in America and Europe.

Ever since mankind lost the divine image of its maker, in its wanderings from the garden of Eden, it has endeavored to regain the paradise from which it was expelled. It has striven to discover some place of blissful repose, where the weary soul may find a refuge of eternal rest and the exhausted body obtain relief from the painful ills of its mortality. Twenty centuries ago a prophet, the most perfect exemplar of his kind appeared amid the sacred hills of Judaea and revealed to the world those life-giving truths in whose luminous depths the light-bearers of the earth have dipped their torches. So simple were the homely truths he taught, that their saving power has been overlooked by the boasted learning of the ages except when some gifted soul with large spiritual endowment discerning their spiritual beauty and significance has revived in the minds of men through faith a consciousness of their healing power and efficacy.

In 1866, in a little city of New England a suffering woman dwelt and as the Christ passed that way impelled by her faith she stooped and touched the hem of his garment. When she felt the thrill of recovery resulting from the virtue imparted by her act she went forth rejoicing and proclaimed to the world the story of her deliverance. This is the marvelous record, as I read it from the current history of the times. It is a well-known fact that many thousands of the world's inhabitants believe her story to be true, and here and there have banded themselves together in congregations of worshipers, faithfully accepting the doctrines she has promulgated and diligently propagating the truths which she has formulated. Among the loyal adherents of her estimable cause are good men and women in all the walks of life. She numbers among her supporters eminent judges in the highest departments of judicial preferment learned physicians in the several medical schools, prominent divines, and leading men and women in other professions. Some who have been peculiarly benefited by her remarkable religio-scientific discovery, have abandoned lucrative callings in which they were engaged and are zealously committed to the public advocacy of the doctrines she teaches. Among that number is the distinguished speaker of the evening.—The News-Democrat.

Galva, III.

The Christian Scientists of Galva and vicinity were treated to a lecture Saturday evening [September 9] by Bicknell Young of Chicago. The speaker was introduced by E. E. Fitch, who said in part,—

Whether we believe in Christian Science or not, one thing we must admit: it is becoming a powerful force for good or evil. That it is not a malevolent force I am satisfied from its manifestations; it manifests itself in the lives of its votaries in such sweet simplicity, such gentleness, such purity and nobility of character. Again, as to the manner of its coming. It does not come with the blare of trumpets, the beating of drums, nor with loud shoutings, but silently, as falls the gentle dew from heaven, it falls upon the heart, transforming the life and consecrating it to the attainment of the noblest ideals.—Galva News.

Stephen, Minn.

Judge Septimus J. Hanna delivered a lecture on Christian Science to a fairly large and appreciative audience October 2. He was introduced by Attorney B. B. Brett, who said in part,—

It was my pleasure on a former occasion like this to introduce the speaker of the evening, and if I remember correctly, at that time I suggested that those who had gathered that evening for the purpose of criticism would find it but fair and just to themselves, and to the speaker also, if they would forego making their criticisms until after they had heard all the speaker had to say; for in so doing they would be better able to appreciate such truths as the speaker sought to reveal through his lecture, and based on such unbiased attention, they would be better able to criticise, if they still felt so inclined. I feel confident this evening however that no such suggestion needs to be made. The steady, constant growth of Christian Science, the honorable, clean, virtuous, and Christian lives lived by its adherents, and the fact of the acceptance of its teachings by men and women of the highest, keenest, and best intellects to be found the country over, places Christian Science beyond that point where people gather to criticise or to ascertain what strange manner of thing it is; on the contrary, they now gather for the same purpose that impels them when they attend the services of other Christian denominations,—they are seekers after the truth, if happily they may find it.—Correspondence.

Lectures at Other Places.

Bethlehem. Pa.—Bicknell Young, October 5.

Mitchell, Ia.—Judge Septimus J. Hanna. October 5.

Vancouver B. C.—Miss Mary Brookins, October 6.

Kasson, Minn.—Judge Septimus J. Hanna, October 6.

Washington, Ia.—Judge Septimus J. Hanna, October 8.

Rockford, Ia.—Judge Septimus J. Hanna, October 9.

Rock Island, III.—Judge Septimus J. Hanna, October 10.

Nebraska City, Neb.—Prof. Hermann S. Hering, October12.