Article December 26, 1914 Issue

The Lectures

with contributions from R. S. Fairchild, W. Taylor Stone, Elmer Grey, Norman T. Davy, Don E. Gilman

A good-sized audience heard the lecture on Christian Science given at the Gem Theater by William R. Rathvon. The lecturer was introduced by the Rev. R. S. Fairchild, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal church, who said:—

It is a great pleasure to me to respond to the request of your committee that I make the remarks introductory to the lecture of the evening. Known among you as the pastor of the Methodist church, the occasion may warrant a few remarks that are in their nature more or less personal. Though not of your denomination, I assure you that I entertain for your work the kindliest feeling. In this day, when the lines of denominational markings are so dim, the spirit of brotherhood extends over all. It has been my fortune so to have grown up that I can express little denominational preference. Born a Methodist, educated in a Baptist university, affiliated for some time with a Presbyterian choir, spending the first few weeks of my ministry in the Congregational church, numbering among my best friends and most attentive auditors some of the Christian Science faith, it were difficult to express preference.

All denominations have in the past served their various purposes in a great way. At their inception they emphasized different and important phases of truth, but today their streams, as they progress, are found to be uniting, and to be flowing in the same great channel of truth. Every denomination has made its contribution to the great whole, and you Scientists should be very proud of your contribution. The greater truths which you have emphasized and are emphasizing, for the most part have been let lie dormant by others. It has been your mission to help arouse the churches from a negative work to one that is positive and constructive. Your mission has been to try so to fill the world with good things that evil should have no room. With you the text "Overcome evil with good" has been taught with added emphasis. Again, you have brought to the world with increasing attention that man's kingly realm is the realm of mind. Any church that lays great stress upon the texts: "As he [a man] thinketh in his heart, so is he;" "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall [or do] see God;" "Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; . . . think on these things,"—that church does a great service to the world.

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