In response to Mrs. Eddy's invitation to the people of Concord to attend the Wednesday night testimony meeting at First Church of Christ, Scientist, there was present the largest congregation in attendance upon any regular service since the church was dedicated. The invitation was extended by reason of the presence in the city of Judge Septimus J. Hanna, C.S.D., formerly First Reader of The Mother Church in Boston.

The services opened with the singing of the hymn, "Watchman, tell us of the night," followed by the reading of a portion of the 9th chapter of Acts, and from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy, after which the congregation united in silent prayer, followed by the audible repetition of the Lord's Prayer. Mrs. Eddy's hymn, "O'er waiting harpstrings of the mind," was then beautifully rendered.

The First Reader then addressed the audience, in part as follows:—

"We read to-night of the acceptance of Christianity on the part of one who had been its bitter foe. He had not simply been indifferent, he had not simply scorned the new religion, he had been its avowed enemy. He saw in Christ Jesus one whom he felt to be an impostor, and he regarded it his sacred duty to destroy the new religion. We have heard also of Paul's change in thought. There came to him a vision of the truth, and instead of seeking to persecute, he became a most worthy champion of the Christ and his cause.

"This Wednesday night meeting is held for the purpose of giving to those who have been blind and have had their eyes opened to the truth, who have found in this new-old Gospel an answer to their prayers, an opportunity to tell us their story."

Judge Hanna then spoke, in part as follows:—

"I am sure that there is no one present who can more truthfully say that his eyes have been opened, than myself. I had read the Bible somewhat, perhaps as many read it, — I had discharged my duty in that respect, —but I read it with no expectation of receiving that which was helpful, uplifting, spiritual, so that I can truthfully say, the scales have fallen from mine eyes.

"The message from the Bible this evening rang out the notes of freedom, liberty, —the liberty of the sons and daughters of God. Perhaps there is no more widely-quoted text in the whole Bible than the saying of the great Teacher, 'Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' When we quote this passage, we should consider the context. Jesus said, 'If ye abide in my words, then ye shall be my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.' 'If ye abide in my words.' What is it to abide in his words? It is to study his life, his character and teachings, until they are so well understood that they can be obeyed. This imposes the necessity of doing something on our part, —working out own salvation. It means deep, serious, and earnest study. We shall not become free, we shall not enjoy freedom, until we have learned what that truth is. It then remains for us to press forward, to go on, and on, until freedom shall be attained in all its glory and all its fulness.

"I cannot speak to-night, in this beautiful church edifice which has been dedicated to God, without indulging in some measure of retrospection. I first saw this city about fifteen years ago. If I remember correctly, there were very few students of Christian Science in this place at that time, and had I been told that within fifteen years there would be so large a church organization in Concord, and that a magnificent church would be erected. I could not have such achievement possible. At that time. Christian Scientists were meeting in a comparatively small hall in Boston. So remarkable has been its growth that to-day its membership encircles the globe. This Christian work is the acheievement of a citizen of Concord, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Eddy. Is there one of us to-night who can forecast the next fifteen years of religious history? My friends, I speak in no sentimental terms when I say that this great wave of religious thought shall never recede, this great religious deluge shall go back; but it shall go on, and until God's kingdom shall have fully come, and His will be done in earth as it is in heaven."

In closing, Judge Hanna said he was being constantly brought face to with persons who have been marvelously healed through the ministration of Christian Science. He said he was making mental notes of all these cases, but would mention one only. This he gave as an illustration of the delusion of fear, and of God's power, when sufficiently understood, to dispel all fear. The case was that of a man in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who had all his lifetime been in fear of being bitten by a mad dog, and declared that if he were ever bitten he should have hydrophobia. When he had passed middle life he was bitten by a dog, and supposed he was badly bitten. As a matter of fact, the dog's teeth did not penetrate his flesh. Nevertheless the man supposed he had hydrophobia in its worst form. He became so violent that it took several men to care for him. At length, a Christian Science practitioner was appealed to. The practitioner said that "with God all things were possible," and began her work, that is, she began to pray,—praying in the highest and best sense of the term, —imploring God's power and presence, knowing that all His promises were true and would be fulfilled. In three weeks this raving maniac was restored to his normal condition, and returned to his former employment.

Mrs. Hanna followed with a testimony full of gratitude to God for her own remarkable healing more than eighteen years ago. She paid a beautiful tribute to her Teacher and Leader, Mrs. Eddy, for the great help and loving counsel received from her.

Other testimonials were received from visiting Scientists, expressive of their gratitude for their healing and their increased love for God and the Holy Scriptures.

Concord (N. H.) Evening Monitor.