Article December 16, 1905 Issue

The Lectures

with contributions from Joseph R. Johnston, L. S. Channell, Elmer McBurney, N. M. Edwards

Rev. Arthur R. Vosburgh of Rochester, N. Y., delivered a lecture on Christian Science in the Grand Opera House on Sunday afternoon, October 15. He was introduced by Judge Joseph R. Johnston, who spoke in part as follows:—

Of comparatively recent origin,—less than forty years having elapsed since the doctrines of Christian Science were first promulgated by its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy,—its growth has been marvelous. This growth is today attested by more than eight hundred churches and societies, organized quietly and without ostentation, with more than a million adherents in almost every civilized community and from every walk and condition in life. These churches and societies were organized quietly, as the temple of Solomon was built, without the sound of hammer or chisel, all the elements having been prepared with such certainty and accuracy that each part fitted into the place designed for it. So even now we have reason to believe that the hands of the great Master builder are preparing, silently, in the wilderness, the characters that in the end will become component parts of this great structure, the Church; which when placed therein will constitute one harmonious whole, cemented together by divine Love, and which will stand as did that great temple,—a monument to its founder. This growth has largely been produced by reason of the fact that the healing of physical ailments has been and is one of the cardinal doctrines of this Science. Its advocates believe that the injunction to "heal the sick" was a continuing one, as much in force now as when given, and that this duty was not enjoined without conferring the power to discharge that duty. Aside from this, another distinguishing feature is the idea entertained in reference to Deity. In many phases of the views of Scientists upon this subject there is no substantial difference from the views entertained by those who denominate themselves as orthodox. With them we agree that God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. Scientists also believe that God is all Life, Truth, and Love. This in a great measure constitutes their trinity; and you will observe that this eliminates all error, all of what we have heretofore been taught to believe constitutes death, and all the elements of anger, hatred, and revenge. Such a Deity as this, all can consistently and conscientiously worship, and call upon with an unfaltering trust for the correction of every seeming error, for the righting of every fancied wrong, and for the establishment of that harmony which will drive discord and disease from our midst and establish those true relations so essential to that which is the best and most to be desired in life.

Upon this rock of eternal and divine Love is this church built, and the wholesome and beneficent results that have followed from the practical application of these ideas, has not only attracted the attention of the civilized world but has commended them to all thoughtful and earnest seekers after truth. If it will correct one single error, remove a single pang of pain, wipe from the cheek of sorrow a single tear, lighten a single burden, or make the life of a single individual purer and better, it is worthy of your consideration; but when proof incontrovertible is presented of innumerable instances where such results have been attained, we feel justified in asking you to consider carefully and impartially the views which will be presented to you this afternoon.—Correspondence.

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MRS. EDDY TAKES NO PATIENTS