The Lectures

with contributions from Fred S. Lamb, J. Burtt Morgan

Cadillac, Mich.

An audience of about three hundred people listened to a lecture by Judge Septimus J. Hanna on Christian Science April 26 at the Opera House. The lecturer was introduced by Judge Fred S. Lamb, who said in part,—

The trend of Christian thought to-day is towards less of theory and more of truth. That truth and theory may be and often are united, is beyond question; but that theories have been expounded without even the semblance of truth is abundantly exemplified in the history of the past. The constant groping for truth in its highest sense, regardless of its effect on established tenets and dogmas connected with our faith in a definite religion, has culminated in a broader view of the essential truths underlying moral and spiritual life. Viewing things from this broader plane has brought us to realize not only the singleness of truth, but also its various manifestations, and we are being brought to realize that there is more than a spirit of tolerance towards these manifestations, which argues well for the ultimate triumph of truth.

No doubt you who have come here to-night to hear this lecture represent almost every phase of Christian thought. You are here for a purpose,—to listen to the thoughts and views of another; to accept or reject his conclusions according to your light. Viewed from the standards of Christian Science I should be classed as an heretic, for I have never given the matter any serious consideration; but I do say that any system, either religious or secular, which can shed any ray of hope upon any life, or lift the dark veil of error from any soul, is entitled to our consideration.—Correspondence.

Vancouver, B. C.

Clarence C. Eaton of Tacoma, Wash., lectured on Christian Science at the Opera House April 29. He was introduced by J. Burtt Morgan, who spoke in substance as follows:—

I presume that the majority of those present, like myself, are not Christian Scientists. Representing, as we doubtless do, various shades of religious belief and conviction, we may not accept many things taught by these people, but I am sure that we will all gladly admit that they are emphasizing at least some truths which, if not entirely ignored, have become largely obscured to the consciousness of Christian people in general. Chief among these I may mention the new emphasis which they have put upon the supremacy of the spiritual over the material. In this age of unprecedented material development and progress, when character has come to be measured by the standard of material success, it is not to be wondered at that materialistic ideas should have insinuated themselves into our very churches. Indeed some of us have almost forgotten the words of the Master, who declared that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." At such a time it is a matter of congratulation that a body should have arisen to call for a return to first principles.

Another truth, which is really a corollary to the one already mentioned and which is firmly insisted upon by Christian Scientists, is that of Christian healing. Not having had sufficient opportunity of personal observation, I am not prepared to say to what extent they are able to exemplify the healing as taught and practised by Christ Jesus, but this I do know, that there is no Scriptural authority whatever for the relegation of this healing to the ages of the past. Let us rejoice, therefore, if anything is being done to re-establish the fact that God's power to heal the sick and dispel the thousand ills to which our flesh is heir, is just as great to-day as it was nineteen centuries ago.—Correspondence.

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Arrangements for the June Meetings

June 2, 1906

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