THE LECTURES
ALTUS, OKLA.
Frank H. Leonard delivered a lecture at Odd Fellows Hall on Tuesday evening, Jan. 3. He was introduced by Horace W. Shepherd, editor of the Altus Times, who said in part,—
Personality, while never having studied Christian Science or having made any investigation of its claims, I have been strongly attracted to it by the very spirit of hopefulness, cheerfulness, and the brotherly love which seems to actuate its devotees. Did you ever see a Scientist who was morose, complaining, rebellious, or at war with all his fellow-men? I never did. With this spirit in our hearts, and in this frame of mind, let us listen attentively to the speaker of the evening, resolved that if from his doctrine we can gain anything which will tend to help us on our rough and thorny path through life, if we can by our presence lend encouragement and sympathy and help to these friends of ours who are seeking to establish a new method of thought and life in our midst and to show us a "better and more excellent way," we certainly owe it to them to do so. Let us hear, and reason, and try to understand, and if we gain any of these helps and uplifts from the discourse of the evening, let us apply them in our own lives, and seek to emulate, so far as we consistently can, the efforts of our friends, through whose unselfish efforts we are permitted to assemble here this evening.—Correspondence.
LONDON, ENGLAND.
Bicknell Young, on Jan. 5, at King's Hall, Hackney Public Baths, delivered a lecture on Christian Science. He was introduced by Capt. Douglas D. Baynes, who said in part,—
The board of lectureship was established some years ago with, to put it briefly, the twofold object of providing convenient opportunity for publicly correcting the misapprehensions and misrepresentations which have been spread about concerning Christian Science and its teachings, and at the same time to allow those who wish to gain a correct understanding of at any rate its basic ideas and leading points in its teaching, suitable facilities for so doing; and this it is quite possible to do even in the brief space of one lecture, provided the seeker after this knowledge will listen with attentive ear and open mind.
It does not matter what the views on religious subjects of any one here tonight may be, we are all, I venture to say, agreed on one point, in that we are all seeking for happiness; and no matter what each individual's idea may be as to what constitutes happiness, I am certain you will all agree with me when I say that if such a state as perfect happiness is attainable, it must be a condition into which fear does not and cannot enter. I know of nothing except Christian Science that really opens the way to complete freedom from fear, and naturally with that the way to perfect happiness.—Correspondence.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND.
Nearly four thousand people heard Prof. Hermann S. Hering when he lectured on Christian Science at the Murat Theater, both in the afternoon and evening of Jan. 8. The lecturer was introduced in the afternoon by W. H. Brown, who said in part,—
Christian Science is becoming a household word, and the cause of Christianity is receiving a remarkable impulse through the demonstration of physical freedom and that mental, moral, and spiritual reformation and enlightenment which is the inevitable accompaniment of an understanding of this healing truth. Through the influence of this work of Christian healing, men are becoming better and purer and are leading cleaner lives, and this purifying process will presently produce a higher and loftier manhood; men who will strive to approach that elevated stature of manhood manifested by the Master, men who will be guided and governed by rules of honesty and honor and purity, men who will stand valiantly for whatever is good and true and loving and holy.
That Christian Science is performing an important part in this regenerative work in the hearts and minds of men throughout the world is manifest. The Master said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." It therefore behooves us—not only Christian Scientists, but all loving followers of the Master as well—to let the example of our lives be a constant reminder that much is expected of Christian Science in the direction of that moral and spiritual enlightenment which will free the minds of men from unholy thoughts and desires and from doubt and fear and error and discord, and thus lift them to that better and higher understanding of God which will finally lead all men unto Him.—Correspondence.
LONG BEACH, CAL.
Under the auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist, of Long Beach, Cal., Francis J. Fluno, M.D., of Oakland, Cal., delivered two lectures on the subject of Christian Science, Thursday and Friday evenings, Jan. 12 and 13. In introducing the speaker the first evening, Robert W. Foyle said in part,—
About thirty-five years ago the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, was first published. About three years later the first Christian Science church was organised in Boston, Mass,—"a church designed," as was stated in its initial meeting, "to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Manual, p. 17). That this church has exemplified the purpose for which it was formed, is attested by its thousands of adherents, who each and all will testify that Christian Science heals physically, mentally, and morally.
On Friday evening the lecturer was introduced by Atty. Frederick A. Knight, who said in part,—
We may be of very differing schools of religious thought, but, regardless of our beliefs, no one here can fail to get some good from Christian Science, provided he is honestly searching for truth. Personally I have had many absolute proofs in my own body that Christian Science heals disease and banishes pain.
That for which I am most grateful, however, is the spiritual uplifting that has come to me through the study of this Science. This has completely changed my view of life, and has taught me a new measure of success. It has enabled me to see my work as a part of the great work, and to feel less keenly the apparent failures. It has given to me a keen appreciation of the Bible, which had been to me of little value except from possibly a sentimental standpoint, and now I find in its pages instruction and encouragement. It has given to me a God who is ever present, here and now, to show the way through each day's work, and to guide and uplift and direct now as well as for all time to come. I cannot begin to tell of the benefits I have received through the study of Christian Science, and I know I am only one of hundreds and thousands who have been similarly benefited.—Correspondence.
PORTLAND, ME.
A large audience was present in the Jefferson Theater yesterday afternoon [Jan. 15] to listen to a lecture on Christian Science by Bliss Knapp. George W. Foster, First Reader of the local church, in introducing the lecturer said,—
Christian Scientists feel so sure that the gospel of Christ Jesus is in deed and in truth a gospel of a full salvation, that they gladly and lovingly accept the command of the Master to preach the gospel. I think I may say that they feel absolutely certain that the great Teacher meant exactly what he said when he proclaimed to all men: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Now to be free most certainly does not mean to be in bondage, nor to be fettered by the limitations of fear or of evil, nor shackled by the chains of disease or of sin. Can we wonder, then, that they to whom such a sense of liberation has come, should ask all men to rejoice with them in, as one of our own Portland poets expresses it,—
The freer step, the fuller breath,
The wide horizon's grander view.
The study of Christian Science has proved to some of us that there is neither necessity nor occasion for separating the triple command of Jesus: "Preach the gospel," "Heal the sick," "Cast out devils;" and it is largely a sense of gratitude for the experiences growing out of these teachings that prompts the giving of these lectures.
Portland Express.
