Bloomington, Ill.

The Grand Opera House yesterday afternoon [February 28] was well filled with people who gathered to hear Mr. Carol Norton in his lecture on Christian Science. Mr. Norton was introduced by President Felmley of Illinois State Normal University, who spoke as follows:—

Herbert Spencer has pointed out that in its progress toward the truth in any field of inquiry human opinion passes through three stages: the unanimity of the ignorant, the disagreement of the inquiring, and the unanimity of the wise; and, furthermore, that the second of these stages is the parent of the third.

If we were in complete possession of the truth, further inquiry would undoubtedly be harmful, but so long as a portion of the truth is still to be found, no better method for finding it can be devised than a multitude of independent seekers pursuing their researches in every possible field; for when each hits upon a new thought based in some degree upon fact and reality, he is eager to study its relations to other truth, he is fertile in expedients to test its correctness, he is tireless in his efforts to establish it, and merciless in his criticism of theories or assumptions inconsistent with his new discovery. Thus by a sort of composition of forces we move forward to the larger view. By the aggregation of truths and the elimination of error we gradually build up a body of reliable and established doctrine.

The American people in their institutions have always recognized this fundamental law of progress, they have cherished a free platform and an unmuzzled press as a vital element in our national life. Even in the field of religion, in our relations to the unseen world, where the consequences of error seem to some of us so disastrous, where the poor gropings of humanity seem at times to yield only feeble and uncertain results, where we often feel it is best to lean on the authority of Holy Scripture or Holy Church, to listen to the teachings of inspired prophet or consecrated priest,—even here, nevertheless, we recognize the same law, we believe that human reason is one with divine reason, and that at the bar of reason all truth will stand revealed. Accordingly, if any man of intelligence and serious purpose believes he has gained a clearer insight into the divine purpose and method, and comes with his message before an American audience, he may expect and will receive a patient, respectful, and impartial hearing. We believe in the apostolic injunction to prove all things and hold fast that which is good. We have assembled this afternoon in this spirit, and I take great pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, in presenting to you Mr. Carol Norton, who will address us upon "The Gospel of Righteousness and Health."—The Pantagraph.

Boulder, Col.

Judge Septimus J. Hanna of Colorado Springs must have been exceedingly well pleased Sunday afternoon, March 6, when he faced that large audience which came to hear him talk on Christian Science in Masonic Temple Hall.

W. R. Rathvon in his introductory speech said in part:—

The lecturer does not come to represent any crusade against theology or medicine. He does not come to beseech you to renounce your lifelong beliefs. He does not come seeking to alienate you from your churches nor to shake your confidence in anything which you have found worthy of it. On the contrary, you may learn from him that his religion imposes upon its followers the broadest toleration, the greatest catholicity towards the views of those from whom they differ. It teaches in effect that every man is entitled to the undisturbed possession of his own religious beliefs and the employment of his chosen school of healing, without hindrance or interference from any other man. And to those who find their spiritual needs supplied through their present religious affiliations, Christian Science does not say "You are altogether wrong" but it does say instead "God be with you."

But to the myriads of sin-sick, suffering, and sorrowing ones who are to-day groping in darkness, baffled and buffeted from one false hope to another, Christian Science throws open wide its doors with loving welcome. Its sweet assurances are but the echo of those age-enduring words that were wafted over the blue waters of Galilee centuries ago, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

And has Christian Science made good its promises?

Ask the many thousands of healthful, happy people to be found all over this broad land, who once hovered in hopeless, helpless misery at the dismal door of death, until snatched away and led into the bright sunshine of health by the loving ministrations of Christian Science. Ask that peaceful army of men and women who twice each week throng the hundreds of Christian Science churches that have quietly sprung into being in the last two decades,—churches where people gather to worship devoutly and praise Him "who forgiveth all thine iniquities: who healeth all thy diseases."

To learn somewhat of the Principle and practice of this new-old religion we are gathered together this afternoon. I have the pleasure of introducing to you Judge Septimus J. Hanna.—Boulder County Herald.

St. Joseph, Mo.

Mr. Bicknell Young delivered a lecture at the Tootle Theatre, March 6. The theatre was filled by a large and highly interested audience. The lecture was given under the auspices of Second Church of Christ, Scientist, and the lecturer was introduced by Mr. B. R. Vineyard, a prominent attorney and member of the bar of St. Joseph.

Mr. Vineyard's speech of introduction was as follows:—

Ladies and Gentlemen:—What a grand thing is the gift of speech to man. How much grander still is the gift of thought to him. But the grandest of all, perhaps, is the gift of the religious sentiment, which sooner or later springs with more or less fervor in almost every human breast.

To know is well; but to feel is better, especially if the feeling comes from the blessed assurance that the convictions of the heart are right. In this life, and doubtless also in the life beyond, I am persuaded to believe that the heart is esteemed to be of greater value than the head. But when the head and the heart are both right, we rise to the highest level of human happiness and human usefulness.

We have with us to-night a speaker who comes to address us along the lines of religious thought and religious conduct. From the reputation which has preceded his coming. I am sure that we shall not only be highly entertained but highly instructed as well. I take great pleasure in introducing to you Mr. Bicknell Young of Chicago.

Correspondence.