MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.

William D. McCrackan, M.A., lectured under the auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Melbourne, Australia, in the Melbourne Town Hall on Sept. 11 and 12. The Town Hall, which is one of the largest halls in Melbourne, was well filled both evenings by an interested audience, who listened with very close attention and occasionally applauded. The introducer on the first evening was E. E. Dillon, a city lawyer and secretary of the Melbourne Peace Society, who said in part,—

Although until the other day Mr. McCrackan was a stranger to the community, we can welcome him not only because of the great country from which he comes, but because of the subject on which he is to speak. I myself am not a Christian Scientist, but from what I know of that body I do not fail to recognize that they are the stuff of which good citizens are made. They endeavor to demonstrate to the world at large the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man; and a people who make these their principles and strive to carry them out cannot go very far wrong.

H. Gyles Turner, retired manager of the Commercial Bank, presided at the second lecture, and in the course of his introduction said:—

The subject of Christian Science has taken a great hold in other countries, particularly in America and in England, and people who have accepted the faith have substantiated it by their works. While I do not include myself in the cheerful optimism which the faith embraces, I welcome on the ground of intellectual freedom and religious tolerance the expression of any form of religion that tends to uplift the spiritual life. I am interested, also, inasmuch as—so far as I am able to follow it—I believe the Christian Science religion to be free from sectarian bitterness or denominational antagonism. The method of teaching the religion is simply to place before the public what I may term their form of creed, and leave decision on the matter entirely to the individual conscience. That, I understand, is the object of such meetings as I am now addressing, and I am sure that you will be gratified to give Mr. McCrackan the earnest attention his subject demands.—Correspondence.

MATTOON, ILL.

A lecture Sunday afternoon [Oct. 1] at the Grand Theater by Judge Clifford P. Smith attracted a large and representative audience in spite of the inclemency of the weather. The speaker was introduced by G. W. Sawin as follows:—

More than nineteen hundred years ago a bright star sent forth its radiance over and around the city of Bethlehem in Judea, proclaiming to the world that a babe was born, concerning whom an angel said, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." The radiance of this star, and the glad tidings, attracted the humble shepherds and also the wise men, and with the coming of Jesus Christ there was a new example of devotion, a new manner of dealing with enemies. A higher life was exemplified, which marks an epoch in the world's history. The story of Jesus Christ is intensely interesting; because it portrays a perfect life among people who, while living under different conditions and different environments, at the same time had practically the same physical, mental, and spiritual problems in their lives to contend with that we have today. His life's history, together with the preceding chapters of that great Book upon which all truth is founded, has been directly and indirectly the foundation for more than five hundred sects and creeds, many so inconsistent with its teaching that the relation can hardly be seen; but it has remained for this century that new radiance should shine, sending forth a bright message that has attracted thousands and hundreds of thousands to a new interpretation and new adaptation of the Scriptures.

I say a new radiance has shone forth, advisedly, for the interpretation and adaptation by the Christian Scientists is certainly different, and it must be something out of the ordinary that would attract and retain such a high type of citizens, such a deep thinking people as is represented in the Christian Science churches and societies all over the civilized world, and I think that this fact alone, outside of all other reasons, is sufficient to commend it to our thoughtful investigation. I think, too, that especially we who are not Christian Scientists, yet are prompted by a spirit of fairness and justice, should welcome an opportunity to listen to an explanation by one who speaks with full authority.—Mattoon Commerical Star.

KEWANEE, ILL.

Before an audience of more than one hundred and fifty which assembled last evening [Oct. 6] at the Christian Science church edifice on South Main street, despite the inclement weather, Prof. Hermann S. Hering lectured upon the subject of Christian Science. The speaker was introduced by the Rev. S. R. Chubb of this city, who said in part,—

I come as a learner, and it is ever a joy to me to become better acquainted with any of the moral forces at work in this community or any other community. Any and every institution which has for its main object the lessening of suffering of whatever description, and the bringing in of anything tending toward the brightening of the experiences of struggling humanity, is worthy of respect, although we may not fully understand the underlying truths or be in closest touch with all the details of such an institution. I am free to confess I am an outsider regarding the movement known all over the world as the Christian Science movement, and although I have casually read many of Mrs. Eddy's writings, I am afraid I have to plead ignorance for the greater part in the full understanding of her words as expressed in writing. This being so, I am not able to form intelligently an opinion of the movement as a whole.

So I repeat, I am here as a learner, and have no doubt but that I shall receive instruction from the lips of one so versed in the question as the gentleman to whom we have come to listen this evening. The longer I live, the less I think of or believe in any mere creed, knowing as I do that for the greater part creeds are but the expositions of human beings and not faultless as a consequence. I believe in the vital truths outlined so fully by Jesus Christ when upon this earth, and which, perhaps more than in any one other of his discourses, are to be found in that matchless parable of the good Samaritan. The coming into the closest touch with the sufferer—the rendering of assistance to any such—the abandoning of all selfishness—the administering of help to any, without regard to who may be the needy one, and disregarding all clannishness or favoritism with the purest compassion, carry out the evident teachings of our Lord as outlined therein. Such actions on the part of any certainly form a part of that great kingdom of God which Christ came to establish here upon earth. This is the true spirit of Christianity as I understand it, and any movement or institution thus measuring up to the standard is worthy of the support of any and all people.

I believe in such a doctrine (or creed, if you please), as I have in these few sentences shown, and any church adopting and living up thereto will merit and receive the approval and assistance of the majority of citizens everywhere.

Kewanee Star-Courier.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS.

Francis J. Fluno, M.D., lectured on Christian Science Oct. 8. He was introduced by Atty. Walter Napier, who said:—

Since coming here this afternoon I have been reminded of how true is the saying that "he who judges without first informing himself to the utmost, cannot acquit himself of judging amiss," especially when applied to religious doctrines. Yet I venture to say there is no current subject that is so often discussed with such positiveness and at the same time with almost total ignorance of its true foundation, as is that of Christian Science.

It is our disposition to prejudge and discount all religious teachings save those we have been taught to believe in from early childhood by our parents. Why we do so I cannot say, for a moment's reflection will convince us that it is wrong. No such standard is followed, or feeling allowed to intervene, in any of our other pursuits. In business matters we are always only too glad to take counsel from and carefully consider the views of others before finally reaching a decision. If this be true, them why should we not be equally anxious to grasp all the information possible before forming an opinion upon so important a subject to all mankind as Christianity. As we are charged by the church, it is our duty to spread the word of God; so I say it is our double duty to listen in turn to the word of God when interpreted by others.

I have not as yet accepted the Christian Science faith, for the reason perhaps that I know so little about it. Still I insist that its version, as believed in and taught by Scientists, in view of the success they have achieved, is entitled to the most profound and sincere consideration. And particularly is this so since I understand that they teach nothing save that which they can prove to be true. "Proven to be true," sincerely and in good faith stamped upon the covers of any volume, should be sufficient inducement to cause a person in search of religious truth to read its pages. I understand that The Mother Church has deemed it wise to carry to the people, through the medium of lectures, the Word of God, as understood by Christian Scientists, and to that end we are to have the pleasure this afternoon of listening to a discussion of this all-important question.—Correspondence.

MEMPHIS, TENN.

On Sunday, Oct. 8, Willis F. Gross lectured at the Lyceum Theater to perhaps the largest audience ever furnished by Memphis on the occasion of a Christian Science lecture. Mr. Gross was introduced by Attorney Henry Craft, who said:—

Some forty years ago Mrs. Eddy began to teach and to put into practice the religion which her investigation of the Bible led her to believe was the religion taught and practised by Jesus and his disciples. She did not profess to have originated a new religion, but did claim, as the result of many years of patient investigation of the Scriptures, to have discovered how and why the religion of Christ and his followers healed the sick as well as regenerated the sinner. She had sought and found a spiritual apprehension which offered hope, health, and happiness and was full of joy and peace, based on unchanging Principle, which experience proved to be scientifically correct.

From a small beginning the growth of Christian Science has been phenomenal. There are today churches and organizations in every part of the world. Its development has been orderly and systematic. Its doctrines have been expounded and its teachings disseminated only by those authorized and qualified. As a part of this system there is what is known as the board of lectureship of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, and the gentleman who will address you is a member of this board.

Correspondence.

WESTMOUNT, PROVINCE OF QUEBEC.

A lecture on Christian Science was delivered Oct. 27 in Victoria Hall, Westmount, to a large number. The speaker, Virgil O. Strickler, was introduced by Walter J. Stetham, who said in part,—

Christian Science is now interesting people of the whole world. When I first became interested in it I thought it a beautiful philosophy, but utterly impracticable. Now I find it not only beautiful, but a practical religion which a business man can introduce into his every-day life; any professional man can find in it not only a great spiritual advantage but also physical advantage, and can introduce it into everything he comes in contact with.—Correspondence.