DEADWOOD, S. D.

The event of the present year in the religious circles of Deadwood was a lecture at the Deadwood Theater Sunday afternoon [April 2] on "Christian Science" by Bliss Knapp. The lecturer was introduced by Judge W. S. Elder, who said:—

The close of the nineteenth century and the beginning of this one will be memorable in the annals of American history for certain great political, social, and religious movements which took place during this period.

Among the religious teachers who voiced one phase at least of the demand for a return to the gospel of the apostolic age was the Founder of Christian Science. Her gospel of healing through Christian Science came like a warm and fragrant breath of spring into the cold and arid heart of humanity, and immediately the desert bloomed and blossomed with fresh hope. No one, I think, can justly deny that Mrs. Eddy was a great teacher. To deny it is to deny the facts of history. Her leadership is evidenced by the number of her followers among thinking men and women all over the world, by the churches and institutions which have been built in her name, and by the literature which is spreading broadcast over the whole earth the fundamentals of her faith. It is possible, I suppose, that a movement of such world-wide significance as that of Christian Science could have been built upon "fraud and delusion," but I do not believe it.

A tree is known by its fruits. The strongest and clearest proofs of a fact are often those which are the most difficult to explain. The blind man, in the New Testament, who had received his sight, when asked to tell about it, could only say, "One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see." Men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles. If the sick are made well and the lame to walk and evil is banished through the virtues of this gospel of Christian Science, what more proof do we need of its divine character? I am not speaking as a Christian Scientist, for I confess with regret that I have not given that careful study and earnest consideration to the subject which a matter of such vital importance deserves, but I speak as one who welcomes and believes in, theoretically at least, any movement which has for its mission the healing of the sick, whether of body or soul, and which brings comfort and peace to the weary and heavy laden.

Deadwood Pioneer-Times.

DENVER, COL.

Willis F. Gross lectured on the subject of Christian Science at First Church of Christ, Scientist, April 4. The introduction by I. I. Boak was in part as follows,—

All the discoveries of the past, whether by Franklin, Whitney, Fulton, Edison, Newton, Marconi or others, are of little value to humanity as compared with the rediscovery or rather uncovering of that religion, old, yet to us new, which came into the world with Jesus of Nazareth and was taught and so successfully practised and demonstrated by him nearly two thousand years ago; a religion that is rapidly becoming the dominant power for good in this and every civilized country in the world, of which the entire creed is covered in the one word Love, and which its Discoverer and Founder, Mrs. Eddy, has designated as Christian Science. This is a practical, every-day religion; not a mere doctrine or belief, but the manifestation of an actual, living, working, demonstrable Principle. It is an honest, common-sense admission and application of the natural laws of life and living, as given to us by the creator of the universe, but which, until quite recently, have been so poorly understood. I feel that we are indeed fortunate in having with us tonight one who by teaching, investigation, and personal knowledge is in a position to make clear to us the beauty, the value, and the adaptability of this practical religion which finds every-day expression in the hearts and homes of its devotees, that lives in deeds, not in words; in practice, not in creed.—Correspondence.

EVANSTON, ILL.

Clarence C. Eaton addressed a good-sized audience at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Tuesday evening [April 4]. He was introduced by Frank H. Edwards, first reader, who said:—

Christian Science, when viewed rightly, arouses the noblest thought and expectancy in man. It is not only beautiful in its simplicity, but it is scientific in its practice and quite encouraging in its results. Naturally, this Science must be approached at the right angle; it must be weighed carefully, and by the standard of its truth. Criticism by vague opinions is like judging a picture from the wrong point of view.

Christian Science is not only attracting the attention of the sick but also the interest of the well. Because of this interest, lectures are given from time to time which are enlightening and that serve to rid us of false impressions. It is, therefore, not difficult for me to welcome you all on behalf of this church. It is no task to congratulate you that you are to hear a lecture on this important subject, because one may congratulate you and be sincere at the same time. This, I am informed, is both scientific and Christian. What a world this would be if all our protestations were sincere!—Evanston Press.

NORWICH, CONN.

A lecture on Christian Science was delivered by Prof. Hermann S. Hering at the Y. M. C. A. Hall Monday evening [April 3], and was attentively listened to by a large audience. The speaker was introduced by Herbert M. George, who said in part,—

Christian Scientists are proving by actual demonstration that "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy is the most helpful commentary upon the Bible that has ever been written, since by its teachings it has made possible the same healing works in this the twentieth century that were practised by Christ Jesus in the first century and by his followers for three hundred years after the crucifixion. Every Wednesday evening, hundreds of thousands of people assemble to voice their gratitude for the many blessings which they have received through Christian Science and to offer a chance to others to learn how to gain the health and happiness which they enjoy.

Norwich Record.

BANGOR, ME.

The lecture on Christian Science, given in City Hall Thursday evening [April 6] by the Rev. Arthur R. Vosburgh of Rochester, N. Y., was heard by a large and interested audience. Gorham H. Wood, first reader of the local church, introducing the speaker, said in part,—

We all recognize that Christ Jesus had a clear understanding of the kingdom of heaven. We have read many, many times what he had to say about the kingdom and the way into it. Where then is the kingdom off heaven and how shall we find it? Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you." Then it must be here and now and it must be mental, just as Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, has clearly set forth in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and just as men, women, and children, in countless numbers, following the teachings of this text-book, are proving all around us day by day. The understanding has been opened, as in the days of the first disciples.

Bangor Commercial.

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HERKIMER, N. Y.

The lecture on Christian Science delivered at the Grand Opera House last Sunday [April 9] by Frank H. Leonard was of a quality which merits more extended notice than was possible in our immediately following issue. We are accordingly presenting herewith a summary both of Mr. Leonard's able address and of the introductory words of the Rev. Mr. Ledyard, of the Newport Universalist church. The latter gentleman gives splendid expression to the open attitude of mind which he and many others endeavor to maintain toward every expression of truth, and the seeking spirit in which they approach the later theories of theology to determine what degree of truth they may contain. Mr. Ledyard, after declaring his pleasure in being present, his appreciation of the honor done him, said:—

In the strict sense of the term I could hardly be called a Christian Scientist, for as yet I am unable to understand many of its teachings; but any movement which is able to do the unquestioned good which this body of truth-seekers has accomplished and is doing should receive the genuine support of all who look out with hope to the time when the brotherhood of man shall be a reality and the fatherhood of God shall be understood. Too long have we been seeking to make God in our image, when as a fact God made man in His image. The teachings of the church in the past would make God manlike; Christian Science makes man Godlike. And because of this fact I am glad, as a minister of the goodness of Jesus Christ, for this opportunity to voice my hearty approval of this great movement and my confidence in its truth, for the starting-point of Christian Science is "that God, Spirit, is All-in-all, and that there is no other might nor Mind" (Science and Health, p. 275); and this God is Love, therefore Love is the divine Principle.

Because of our blinded vision we have mistaken shadows for realities and by this delusion of the imagination have conjured up to our mortal mind many harmful and disgusting things which after all do not exist. We see but through a glass darkly, but the time is coming,—we are now standing upon its very threshold,—when we shall see face to face and become like the great ideal, the man Jesus, for we shall be able to see him as he is. Then shall we understand for ourselves that truth which Paul proclaimed, that "God is all and in all;" and because we know that God is good, so ought we to know that all is good.—Telegram.