The Lectures

Introductions to Lectures

with contributions from Dorothy Barrett Sand, Lionel Clapham, Mame Powell Harmer, Clyde James Mackie

Schenectady, New York (First Church).

Lecturer: Judge Frederick C. Hill; introduced by Mrs. Dorothy Barrett Sand, who said:—

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the statements (p. 233), "Progress is the law of God;" and (p. 256), "Progress takes off human shackles."

You will hear in the lecture of this law of God, which was demonstrated so fully by our Way-shower, Christ Jesus. It will be explained how the understanding of God's law removes the shackles of false beliefs, replacing them with true, spiritual ideas, which result in human progress. This replacement brings to one's consciousness the true understanding of God and His reflection, man, which is the basis of the healing ministry of Christian Science.

Wanganui, New Zealand (First Church).

Lecturer: Professor Hermann S. Hering; introduced by Lionel Clapham, who said:—

The title of the lecture this evening is "Scientific Christian Healing," and it reminds me of the remarkable experience which changed me from a desultory investigator of Christian Science into a very keen student. When I read the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, I was heartened by the logic of its exposition of the teachings of Christ Jesus, and the perfect reasonableness of the truth dawned upon me. Holding to the truth, which changed my thought and outlook, I was healed of a stomach complaint to which I had been subject for over nineteen years.

Commensurate with my continued study, I proved the efficacy of Christian Science in innumerable ways.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has written in her book "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 365), "If Christian Science lacked the proof of its goodness and utility, it would destroy itself; for it rests alone on demonstration."

Burlington, Iowa (First Church).

Lecturer: Thomas E. Hurley; introduced by Miss Mame Powell Harmer, who said:—

To sinning and distressed humanity our great Master gave this healing invitation: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," and when they came he taught them of God. Christian Science extends the same tender, healing message to tired men and women today that Jesus extended so many years ago, and when they come, it teaches them to understand and love God—"a God at hand," as the Bible says, "and not a God afar off."

Among the Church Tenets given us by Mrs. Eddy, one reads (Science and Health, p. 497): "We acknowledge and adore one supreme and infinite God. We acknowledge His Son, one Christ; the Holy Ghost or divine Comforter; and man in God's image and likeness." It is understanding and acknowledging the presence and power of God and His Christ which gives us dominion and freedom. It has freed me from what the world calls an incurable disease, and from many other discordant and unhappy conditions. It has given me health and peace. Christian Science shows us that God is divine Principle, "with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning"—God who is infinitely tender and compassionate. It enables us to understand the life and works of our beloved Master, Christ Jesus, and inspires a reverent love for Mrs. Eddy, whose purity enabled her to receive the revelation, and to present to this age, by her works and example, the practical application of God's law.

Aurora, Illinois (First Church).

Lecturer: William Wallace Porter; introduced by Clyde James Mackie, who said:—

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy, its author, writes (p. 136), "Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing;" and (p. 473), "He proved what he taught." The Apostle James inquired: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"

As a youth I was stricken with lameness in my feet, and for several years walked with difficulty and with much pain. During that time I constantly took various medicines and treatments without obtaining relief. I also prayed earnestly that God would heal me. Finally, while I was taking treatments at a so-called health resort, a friend wrote me urging that I try Christian Science. This I did, and was healed.

The same healing Christ, Truth, is present this evening.

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