At Joplin, Mo.

Edward A. Kimball of Chicago, delivered a lecture on Christian Science at the Club Theatre, Tuesday evening, December 12, to a large audience, under the auspices of Second Church of Christ, Scientist.

Mr. Kimball was introduced by Lawyer R. A. Pearson of this city, who spoke as follows:—

Ladies and Gentleman:— If there is anything the history of human thought has served to impress, it is certainly a lesson of tolerance. To whatever phase of its unfolding the mind reverts, the most amazing and the most pathetic feature of its growth and greatness is the contempt and derision, the hate and persecution, through which it has come as through fire. We are debtors to the folly and futility of others; and the heroism that irradiates such names as Garrison and Phillips, Kepler and Columbus, Luther and Paul, are not more a heritage than an admonition. And we are not infallible, not even yet, and the very brilliance of modern achievement but serves to bring into bolder relief the shadows that bound and embarrass all assurance. There are signs and wonders, portents on every hand, that might give us pause. Socially, politically, morally, everywhere a deep unrest, and men as never before are revolving the enigma of life, and seeking to know the compass and equivalence of that greatest of questions, "What is truth?"

The progress of more recent thought towards this attitude is significant. At first it gathered momentum and swung to the extreme of a rank materialism, and then, beginning to take account of itself and taking counsel of its own sweeping methods, is now awaking to the realization that there may indeed be more things in heaven and earth than were ever dreamt of in its philosophy. Thus there begins to prevail a more intelligent liberality along with a more appreciable sense and a purer love of Truth for its own sake. We are coming more and more to distinguish substance from semblance, and darking to conceive that the traditional distinctions, and supposed elements in our creeds and constructions are but the relative and accommodated postulates of our faith and service. That back of all thoughts and things is the ultimate and great reality which to know aright is life. But the great question is, How shall this be translated into motive and method? how interpreted for the purposes of faith and service? It is a question answered in many and various ways. There is but this qualifying certainty, that no prince or potentate, college of cardinals, synod, council, or committee has any infallible or exclusive jurisdiction over the matter. Who would doubt but there are in every clime and in every age hearts that o'erleap their mortal state and claim a kindred with the Christ-power, though unidentified, which is unto them the very savor of life? There are diversities of gifts and differences in administration.

Now as to Christian Science in particular, I must remark that its peculiar doctrines and distinguishing tenets do not in all respects commend themselves to me. But far be it from me to deny or deride any motive, conceived in sincerity and faith. And if beneath its modes and conventions there be a ground of the great Truth, some nearer apprehension, some clearer appreciation of an abiding reliance, then it were at least wise to remember that the character of Philistine or Pharisee never has been, and perhaps never will be, historically popular. The admonition of Paul is in point, "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

The progress of this movement has been, and is to-day, something phenomenal. It is attracting some of the best thought and most earnest devotion of the day. Its professions and pretensions are of the very greatest, and either it is to be one of the most potent factors in the evolution of spiritual life, or one of the most interesting fiascos in the history of religious fancy and fanaticism. To all serious seekers after Truth it therefore justifies its claim to a hearing, and your presence here this evening is a recognition of that much. We have with us a gentleman eminent as an exponent of its doctrines, and devoted to its faith, who will speak to us concerning it. Without saying more, I take pleasure in presenting Mr. Edward A. Kimball of Chicago.—Mattie C. Bishop, Clerk.

At La Porte, Ind.

A large and interested audience attended the lecture on Christian Science by the Hon. Judge William G. Ewing, at the Unitarian Church, Tuesday evening, January 2.

The lecturer was introduced by one of La Porte's oldest and most respected citizens, Judge William P. Andrew, who has passed his ninetieth birthday. Judge Andrew has been active for many years as a lawyer and judge, and he does not seem at all aged. His introductory address was as follows:—

My Fellow-citizens:— I come before you to perform the very pleasant service of introducing to you the honorable speaker of the evening, who comes not to speculate on finely imaged theories, but to preach the gospel of peace on earth and good-will to man; a gospel not the discovery of yesterday, but a gospel preached and practised nineteen hundred years ago, with exceeding precious promises to them who received and obeyed, namely, salvation from sin, sickness, and death. This gospel, taught by our divine Master, has been brought home to our speaker of the evening by blessed experiences in his own person and to his own grateful heart, and to him it is pre-eminently Christian and Scientific. I will now introduce the speaker of the evening, Judge William G. Ewing of Chicago.

Mrs. A. E. Hickman.

Christian Science.

Like the small waves made by the pebble thrown into the water, the discussion of Christian Science widens and grows broader every day. For the benefit of those who are tired of the suffering from disease, we copy a portion of an address delivered in Boston recently by Judge William G. Ewing of Chicago. The judge was cured by Christian Science over fifteen years ago of what the doctors called incurable asthma. He declined a renomination to the bench and left his profession to devote his life henceforth to the higher profession of spreading the healing and saving gospel of Christ to a waiting and needy world.

Standard, Macclenny, Fla.