THE LECTURES

with contributions from H. G. Pillsbury, John Ashcroft, Frederick Finch Strong, John F. Gaylor

SOUTH BEND, IND.

Prof. Hermann S. Hering of Concord, N. H., appeared in a lecture on Christian Science at the Oliver Opera House Sunday afternoon [March 7]. The speaker, who was heard by a large audience, was introduced by John F. Gaylor of Mishawaka, who said in part,—

It is gratifying to the Scientists of South Bend and vicinity to see the increasing interest which is evident, not only here, but everywhere, in the teachings and practice of Christian Science. When, nineteen hundred years ago, Jesus stood before Pilate and had directed to him the question, "What is truth?" he listened to the most momentous question ever propounded by mortal man; and during the centuries which have elapsed since this question was so pointedly and so prominently launched upon human consciousness, hundreds, aye, thousands upon thousands of men have undertaken to answer. Today, all over this fair world, men are asking themselves and asking each other this same question, "What is truth?" For upon the answer to this question depends the freedom, the salvation of the races of men. Perhaps this question of the ages has come to you, and you hope here to find that which will answer it. Or it may be you desire merely to know something of the nature of the philosophy which has taken the name Christian Science, to learn what it has done or possibly may do for mankind; and the lecture this afternoon is designed to instruct you correctly upon this important matter.—South Bend Tribune.

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA.

Frank H. Leonard of Brooklyn, N. Y., delivered a free lecture to a goodly audience at the City Hall last night [March 8]. He was introduced by Dr. Frederick Finch Strong, who said,—

While I am not a Christian Scientist, I have been for some years an observer of this progressive movement. At first my attitude was bitterly hostile and antagonistic, but time has changed this standpoint. In the scientific laboratory, where the greater part of my life has been spent, the test of a new theory is, "How does it work out in practice?" Now, I have seen the basic truths of Christian Science applied, and in simple justice I must say that the results justify the claims of its advocates,—in many cases, at least. I have seen a household where intemperance and immorality were rampant changed to a happy, harmonious Christian home. I have seen diseases which, as a pathologist, I should have considered practically incurable, disappear under Christian Science treatment. These are facts to which I can testify, not as a Christian Scientist, but as a simple lover of truth and honesty. From what I have learned from my conversation with and observation of Christian Scientists, the essence of their teaching seems to be a literal acceptation of the doctrines of Christ as expressed in the Gospels, and an endeavor to live the Christ-life personally and collectively. Surely we, as Christian people, can have but little fault to find with such a belief. Christ said that a tree is known by its fruit. If this be true, then the hundreds of handdome Christian Science churches, each of which was fully paid for and free from debt before it was dedicated, should indicate a solid basis for the religion for which they stand.—Independent.

ST. LOUIS, MO.

Under the auspices of the six Churches of Christ, Scientist, in St. Louis, East St. Louis, and Kirkwood, the Hon. Clarence A. Buskirk lectured on Christian Science, at the Odeon Theater, on Thursday evening, March 18. Judge Buskirk was introduced by John Ashcroft, chairman of the joint committee, who said in part,—

In all the ages there have lived men and women whose clearer vision has enabled them to pierce the shadows of mortal belief and catch glimpses of the eternal sunlight beyond. Some forty years ago the world became conscious of the presence in its midst of one such woman, who offered for its consideration what Whittier has so aptly termed "the larger thought of God." She planted herself unreservedly upon the foundation laid by Christ Jesus, and, like him, was called upon to bear the enmity of the world, which has always resisted and resented any attempt to correct its errors. Slowly but surely there gathered around this woman thoughtful men and women, weary and heavy-laden, from all the walks of life; and with them she shared the treasure of a demonstrable knowledge of God, practical and complete. Today Mary Baker Eddy has her place among the world's great teachers; while Christian Science is known and practised throuhgout the civilized earth.—Correspondence.

RIPON, WIS.

Bicknell Young of Chicago delivered a lecture on Christian Science in the spacious auditorium of the Congregational church, Monday evening, March 22. The speaker was introduced by the pastor of that church, the Rev. H. G. Pillsbury, who said,—

I have been requested by certain friends of mine whom I esteem and love, to say a few words, in introducing the speaker of the evening. I do so willingly and without the least hesitation. I heard a remark some time since—and doubtless you at some time or other have heard the same—that the trouble with Christian Science is that it is that it is neither Christian nor scientific. With regard to the first count in the indictment I beg leave to demur; for, so far as I am able to judge of this faith in question, from those of its adherents whom I have known, the spirit of Christian Science is Christian. I think this should be stated without equivocation and with emphasis. With regard to the second count in the indictment, it would be unseemly for me to stand here and speak of the difficulties which I encounter in accepting the philosophy underlying Christian Science. I prefer to say this instead: that the part of wisdom—of the man who would become wise—is to keep the open mind toward any form of truth which to him may be new. There is a passage of Scripture which is applicable here: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." To be open to conviction and receptive of that which commends itself as true, is worthy of us all. It is a satisfaction to have with us one who is an authoritative interpreter of the matter before us.—Correspondence.

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