The Lectures
Introductions to Lectures
Richmond, Virginia (First Church).
Lecturer: Judge Frederick C. Hill; introduced by Charles G. McAron, who said:—
In the eighth chapter of Romans Paul says, "To be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." In the depths of the hearts of men there is a reaching out for truth, for peace, for joy, for harmony, for real happiness—for God, good. The realization of this state of consciousness can be found only by dismissing sorrow, discord of every nature, and all evil desires; but how to do this seems perplexing. Christian Science honestly applied is the real remedy. By a careful and prayerful study of the Bible and of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we learn how to accomplish this task, to reach that freedom to which Christ Jesus referred when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
In the last century there came a messenger of Truth to this age, a spiritually-minded woman, Mrs. Eddy. Through a life consecrated to God, and devoted unselfishly to the healing of the world, she brought a message of Truth that is being echoed in every land on this globe, bringing comfort and healing to the sorrowing, sinning, and those who are heavily burdened. Several years ago I was led to Christian Science. I had been sick and sinful. My whole life was changed: I was healed. And for this I owe a debt of gratitude to God that words can never repay. Works must do this; and so I count it all joy to work and live in obedience to the law of divine Principle, God, good.
Chicago, Illinois (University of Chicago Society).
Lecturer: Prof. Hermann S. Hering; introduced by Miss Alice L. Kinsman, who said:—
About nineteen hundred years ago Christ Jesus said of himself and of his works, "I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." These words Christian Scientists to-day are endeavoring to follow by making of primary importance the accomplishment of spiritually constructive work. It is the upbuilding of God's kingdom in the world that is the true Christianity as Christ Jesus taught and lived it, as the Scriptures unfold it, and as Mrs. Eddy, through Christian Science, explained it. Christian Scientists recognize that God, divine Mind, is the only builder; and with power derived from God, and foundations of loving-kindness laid upon an understanding of Him, they are striving to construct a realm of love and harmony on earth.
Los Angeles, California (Second Church).
Lecturer: Salem Andrew Hart; introduced by Mrs. Ethel W. Stone, who said:—
On page 28 of "No and Yes" by Mary Baker Eddy we find the following question and answer: "Has Truth, as demonstrated by Jesus, reappeared? Study Christian Science and practise it, and you will know that Truth has reappeared." It was something over fifteen years ago, when in a state of great physical distress and almost despair, that I heeded this advice and commenced the study and application of Christian Science. The immediate benefits received, my speedy recovery of health and peace of mind, and the many healings and blessings experienced since that time, have indeed been proof to me that it is the Christ-teaching, because the very works of Jesus are being accomplished to-day. Christian Science has now stood the test of over half a century, growing steadily in strength and power, spreading its healing and comforting ministry throughout all the world and demonstrating by its works that it is "even the Spirit of truth" or the "Comforter" which Jesus promised, the "Comforter" which "the Father" would send in his name, to abide with us forever and to bring to our remembrance all things whatsoever he had said.
Arnhem, Holland (Society).
Lecturer: John W. Doorly; introduced by Mrs. de Vries, who said:—
There is no doubt that all men would be happy to know God as infinite Love, who is taking care of them at all times and under all circumstances. But with many the great stum-blingblock is the question, How can God, if He is Love, permit all the misery there is in the world? I, too, often asked this, but found no satisfactory answer. Then I heard of the healing of a so-called incurable disease through Christian Science, and my husband and I began to study the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy. There we learned that God is not the author of sin, disease, and death, but delivers us from them. Through putting into practice this teaching, we proved it to be the truth; and whereas formerly the children and I were constantly under the care of doctors, we became healthy with no other help than Christian Science. Our family of six has received immeasurable blessings from God, whom we know to be an ever present help in trouble.
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (First Church).
Lecturer: Robert Stanley Ross; introduced by Hubert J. Lawrence, who said:—
The Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, gives its students a lucid explanation of the words, work, and mission of Christ Jesus. To follow in the steps of the Way-shower requires effort and obedience, or the putting off of "the old man with his deeds." And it necessarily follows that physical disease falls away under this treatment; for disease is no part of the Mind of Christ. For the past fourteen years God has been my only physician; and I am grateful to say that my three children know of nothing else. Mrs. Eddy says on page 2 of one of her works, "Rudimental Divine Science": "Healing physical sickness is the smallest part of Christian Science. It is only the bugle-call to thought and action, in the higher range of infinite goodness. The emphatic purpose of Christian Science is the healing of sin."
