Article June 6, 1908 Issue

AMONG THE CHURCHES

The name of Geneva will ever call up sacred recollections to the lover of liberty. For centuries the city has shone in history by reason of its receptivity to ideas of truth and progress, while it has afforded a sanctuary to the religiously oppressed of every nation. True to its traditions, Geneva is now looking toward the light of Christian Science, which it is slowly but surely permitting to shine more and more steadily in its midst. We found here a little band of earnest followers, assembled in commodious quarters for the Sunday service. Hall and Reading Room are located together in a little court adjacent to the great cathedral; the same from whose pulpit sturdy John Calvin thundered his stern message so effectively four centuries ago. The congregation was representative of thought and culture. We were interested to learn that among those present were to be counted men and women known in the professional walks of life. The closest attention was given to the finely read Lesson-Sermon, and we experienced much pleasure in talking afterward with those who had been recipients of the healing.

The work in this line is very active and very thorough, and deep appreciation is evinced toward our Leader and the Cause, on the part of those who have been liberated from sickness and from sin. One story made our hearts particularly glad. It was that of a sweet-faced lad of ten or twelve, who from infancy had been a sufferer with tuberculosis in a dire form. The little fellow had never spoken up to his seventh year; but slowly, through a term of years, the malady has withdrawn its specious evidence before the might of Truth, held to unswervingly in a mother's heart. The lad now speaks very well in his native French, and is also acquiring some knowledge of English. In his straight, lithe frame and glowing face, moreover, there is seen no longer mark or trace of the cruel things that were. Both parents and an elder brother are actively consecrated to the work. Such must ever be the consequence of these proofs of the mighty power of good.

Two services are held each Sunday morning in the assembly hall; one in French, and one in English. As many as seventy-five are frequently counted at the French service, so we were told. At this first service a running, free translation is made from the English text. At the Wednesday evening meetings testimonies are freely and spontaneously given, in both languages; and the interest and respect evinced are marked. The Cause is surely growing on the continent of Europe. —

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AMONG THE CHURCHES

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