LECTURE IN THE MOTHER CHURCH

with contributions from William D. McCrackan

On Tuesday evening, Oct. 22, Dr. Francis J. Fluno, C.S.D., of Oakland, Cal., delivered a lecture on Christian Science in The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass., to an immense audience. The lecture began at eight o'clock, but by seven o'clock all the seats on the floor were occupied and very few were vacant in the galleries. Many who were unable to get seats remained standing throughout the lecture, while a number went away. There must have been between five and six thousand people in the church, as it seats five thousand. The great and growing interest in Christian Science was evidenced not only by the large audience but also by the close attention given to the lecture. Dr. Fluno was a physician in regular practice when he became interested in Christian Science in 1885. He applied for admission to the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, and had the great privilege of being taught by Mrs. Eddy, the President of the College. He has since that time devoted himself to the practice of healing the sick and reforming the sinful in accordance with the teachings of the revered Leader of Christian Science, to whom he paid a high tribute in his lecture. In introducing the lecturer Mr. William D. McCrackan First Reader of The Mother Church, said in part,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends:— You have been invited here to-night to listen to a lecture on Christian Science. The subject is neither academical nor theoretical, but eminently practical, for Christian Science is a religion of actual accomplishments, of achievements. It is filling the world with hope, giving multitudes a new outlook on life and meeting the most urgent needs of those who turn to it for help in mental, moral, or physical troubles.

We are living in an age in which world problems are coming up for solution. The majority of thinkers are not content to abide by temporary makeshifts or to be bound by the trammels of traditional beliefs which have been found wanting in times of trouble. Every department of activity is being subjected to a searching examination or is passing through a period of reconstruction. Science, theology, and medicine are feeling the effects of a new leaven and are being transformed by degrees, both as to theory and practice. Indeed, the world over, expectant minds are waiting for great developments, and the spiritually minded are rejoicing that a new and brighter light is shining resplendent over the whole of Christendom.

To a world thus prepared for progress Christian Science brings its message of peace, stability, and wholesome activity. It is founded upon God as Principle and from this basis it heals the sick, reforms the sinner, comforts the sorrowing, and guides the lost and distraught into the haven where they would be. Christian Science marks the way and points the path to the only durable peace which is possible between individuals, communities, or nations, a peace derived from the understanding of God as the one Mind and of man as made in His image and likeness.

Christian Science is a vast subject, fit for eternity, and it is not to be expected that the whole of it can be covered in an evening's lecture. Those who desire to study Christian Science must read and digest its text-book. "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker G. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. There is no royal road, no short cut to the understanding of God, and man, and the universe. This understanding can only be acquired by individual effort and by practical application.

For one reason or another the nature and purpose of Christian Science have sometimes been misinterpreted, its methods misrepresented. It has not infrequently been confounded with systems with which it has no resemblance whatever, and under the circumstances it is not fair to the great body of sufferers who need its ministrations in this and other lands to permit false impressions to go uncorrected. It is not fair, for example, to invalids wearing away weary years under the ban of supposed incurability, or to victims of supposedly incurable bad habits. They should not be deterred by uncorrected mistakes from finding health and reformation in Christian Science.

I take it that it is part of the purpose of this evening's lecture to correct such mistakes and to set actual facts before an open-minded public. Let me now introduce to you the lecturer of the evening, Dr. Francis J. Fluno, C.S.D., of Oakland, Cal., who is a member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass.

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THE STUDY OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

November 2, 1907

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