Article December 13, 1930 Issue

On Attending Our Lectures

JOHN T. GUTTRIDGE

"He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions," sang the Psalmist. Part of the mission of our Christian Science lectures is to set forth the healing truth; and wherever they may be heard, they serve as veritable oases to the tired wanderer in the desert of human hopes and aims. Further, these messages of Truth are looked forward to with joyful anticipation by those who have already drunk, in some degree, of the water of Life, which flows freely through this, as it does through all the other channels of the Christian Science movement.

Always accompanying the announcement of our lectures is the cordial invitation to the public to be present, in the spirit of the words of Isaiah, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat." What does it mean truly to "attend" a Christian Science lecture? Surely more than just to be present at the lecture. Webster defines the word "attend" in part as "to apply the mind, or pay attention, with a view to perceive, understand, or comply." As these deeper meanings of the word are rightfully appled to all that concerns our lectures, we may readily see how these healing messages to mankind can be more fruitfully attended.

In any community where a lecture is to be given, it becomes the sacred duty and privilege of all concerned to do their share of the preparatory work, which is so vital to the success of this activity in the local field. the circular containing recommendations in lecture arrangements, issued each year by the Board of Lectureship of The Mother Church, presents many ways of accomplishing the desired end. This task of preparation, carefully and prayerfully done, is bound to create a keener desire on the part of the public, not alone to be present, but to "apply the mind, or pay attention, with a view to perceive, understand, or comply" with the healing message given out.

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