Article April 18, 1914 Issue

The Lectures

with contributions from W. Morris Deisher, Colonel Carter, O.L. Parsons, Malcolm C. Hopper, Arthur N. Gibb, Algernon Hervey Bathurst

The remarks of W. Morris Deisher in introducing Judge Clifford P. Smith who lectured on Christian Science at Rajah Temple, were as follows:—

About ten years ago Mark Twain wrote a criticism of Christian Science, and it was published as a serial in one of the popular monthly magazines. I read portions of this criticism, so called, and regarded myself as fully qualified to pass judgment upon the merits and demerits of the doctrine. Within the past two years I was asked for an expression of opinion on this religion. Up to that time I had not read one line of Christian Science literature, but being armed with the jibes furnished by Mark Twain, I did not hesitate to reply accordingly. I instantly recognized that my answer was not only unfair but also dishonest. To right the wrong, I bought a copy of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," as I now recall, the very next day. I read it, and to my utter amazement learned that it contained very few statements to which I could not fully subscribe. I met with stumbling-blocks, of course, but these will probably be removed for you by the lecturer tonight, as others kindly removed them for me.

The world is making progress. Prejudice is giving way to understanding, fear and hate to hope and love; justice and charity are replacing injustice and avarice. It is not claimed for Christian Science that humanity is indebted to it for all of this progress, though a little leaven may leaven the lump, but it cannot truthfully be denied that Christian Science is a decided factor in the issue. I scarcely need tell you that I am not a member of the "little white church" on North 5th street. If I were, I would not be ashamed to confess it, proclaim it from the housetops if necessary; but I realize that to be honest with myself more than a mere confession of faith is required for consistent membership, and some of the old thoughts have not yet been fully overcome.

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