Ventura, Cal.

Judge Merle J. Rogers of the superior court in introducing Ezra W. Palmer, who lectured on Christian Science at Dixon Theater, said in part:—

The chairman of the committee having in charge the arrangements for this afternoon's meeting knew perfectly well, when he requested me a few days ago to introduce the speaker upon this occasion, that I am not a member of the Christian Science organization or a believer in its doctrines. Being assured, however, that such membership or belief is not essential to qualify one to act in this capacity, I readily consented to do so; for I recognize and rejoice in the fact that we live in a nation which enjoys religious freedom,—a nation in which each individual has the right to worship the Supreme Being in such manner and to such extent, and to attribute to Him such qualities and manifestations, as the judgment or conscience of the individual may dictate. I rejoice too that we live in an age of tolerance,—an age when people do not cease to be friends merely because they do not see these great questions alike.

Though not a Christian Scientist, I am, as it seems to me every one should be, deeply interested in the subject, and in common with every one else I have been especially interested to note the remarkable growth of this cult or system, and the high character, culture, and intelligence of many of its adherents. Holding myself open-minded, willing to hear and to learn, and carefully to weigh and consider, and earnestly to seek the truth, I trust I shall always have the courage to follow the truth wherever it may lead, when once believing that I have found it. So I am personally glad to have an opportunity, with you, to learn of Christian Science from one authorized and qualified to teach and to explain it.

Correspondence.

Cleveland, Ohio

A lecture under the auspices of Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, was delivered by John W. Doorly. The first reader, Arthur W. Marriott, 2d, introduced the speaker as follows:—

Mortal man believes that everything he understands is capable of being used for both good and evil. He believes that the applied sciences can be used with certainty to produce the comforts he desires, and that with the same degree of certainty they can be used to produce the most awful discord and misery. He believes that the goodness of nature is capable of bringing comfort and discomfort; that a beautiful flower which delights his eye can at the same time bring disease and suffering. He believes that, even if a thing does not have an apparent evil application, too much of any good thing plays havoc with peace and contentment. In short, mortal man believes that nothing is of itself absolutely good; and when in misery and suffering he turns to religion for help, he finds even there the same idea in a God who is pictured at one instant as loving and saving His children, and in the next as punishing and destroying them in the utmost fury. So that even evil itself has been excused on the ground that an incomprehensible though wise God has permitted it for some good purpose. Not so taught Jesus, who said, "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit." Christian Science has come to this age to combat this belief in the confusion of good and evil; to proclaim God unchangeable and eternal good, who sends no evils but who heals all our diseases and comforts all our sorrows. This expression of the Christ is thronged by the multitude here today just as it was centuries ago on the shores of Galilee; and so it will ever be.—Correspondence.

New York, N. Y.

The remarks of Warren C. Klein, first reader of Second Church of Christ, Scientist, in introducing William W. Porter, who lectured on Christian Science, were as follows:—

The constant cry of mankind is for health, happiness, and progress. Christian Science, discovered and founded by Mrs. Eddy, is restating the message of the Master, and is proving to the world, as did Jesus, that perfect health, genuine happiness, and true progress are achieved only through the spiritual understanding of God and the practical daily exercise of faith, hope, and love.

The message of Christian Science is definite and clear, and is directed to all humanity. It is wholly beneficial and wholly constructive. For proof of these assertions it points to the works that have been accomplished. To the honest doubter it replies in the same language as that used by Christ Jesus in his famous answer to the query of John the Baptist, "Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached." More than all else, Christian Science can and does assist the individual to live a happy, healthful, and progressive Christian life here and now.—Correspondence.

Kansas City, Mo.

Z. R. Moorman's introduction of Virgil O. Strickler at the lecture on Christian Science given under the auspices of Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist, in Gladstone Theater, was in part as follows:—

Two thousand years ago, in the hills of Judæa, Jesus promised the world a Comforter. It is evident that this Comforter was not to have a mortal form, for Jesus stated that He should abide with us forever,—"even the Spirit of truth." Today, out of the wilderness of doubt, fear, and tribulation, many are asking of Christian Science, "Art thou he that should come?" Christian Science answers in the words of the Master, "The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached."

Christian Science offers you no new God, but a new conception of God, who is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever." It comes reaffirming the words of the lowly Nazarene, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." It seeks not to impair your faith in the power and presence of God, but to increase it. It seeks not to destroy your love and reverence for the Holy Bible, but rather to enable you to demonstrate and confirm the promises therein contained. It comes to open the door of the human understanding, that we may enter into "the glorious liberty of the children of God," where we may "abide under the shadow of the Almighty;" to give a consciousness wherein we may realize the truth of the psalmist's assurance, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."—Correspondence.