THE LECTURES

with contributions from Albert M. Snook, Arthur C. Wakeley

AURORA, ILL.

That Aurora has a very considerable following of the Christian Science faith was evidenced by the large audience assembled in the People's Church last evening [May 10] to hear an address by Bliss Knapp. The speaker was introduced by Albert M. Snook, who said:—

The pleasant task of introducing the distinguished gentleman who is to address you this evening has been assigned to me, not because I am a Christian Scientist, but for the reason that as an outsider I recognize that Christian Scientists are doing a good work. Also, as editor of an American newspaper, I consider that I should be remiss in my duty did I not help to further the interests of Christian Science or any similar movement that is helping to uplift humanity. I speak not so much from an intimate knowledge of the tenets of the church, for I am frank to state that I have read comparatively little of the writings of the gifted Mrs. Eddy, but I draw my observation more from my daily association with people of the Christian Science faith and from the remarkable results of Christian Science teachings that so often come to my notice.

I hold that in these days of marvelous invention and revelations no thoughtful person can reasonably oppose anything that tends to benefit humanity. Our world keeps moving, and what may be a cult today is an accepted fact tomorrow. From my observations I know the Christian Science people are, as a whole, among the much loved and very loving and consistently lovable people. They must be and they are inspired by a great faith and uplifted by a great spiritual truth.—Aurora Beacon.

OMAHA, NEB.

On May 11 William R. Rathvon delivered a lecture under the auspices of First Church of Christ, Scientist, at the Brandeis Theater, to a very large and attentive audience. The seating capacity of the theater was taxed to its full extent and several hundred left because they could not secure seats. Atty. Arthur C. Wakeley, a former reader of Second Church of Christ, Scientist, introduced Mr. Rathvon, saying in part,—

The presence of this magnificent audience emphasizes the increasing interest which has been evoked in the religious movement designated by its Founder as Christian Science; a new-old religion, if you please, but one in which thousands who have turned to it and embraced its teachings have found for themselves health and happiness and peace. He who from Mars' hill spake to the men of Athens, also said, "There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification." The greatest woman of our day and generation says in her immortal book: "In the sacred sanctuary of Truth are voices of solemn import, but we heed them not" (Science and Health, p. 232). With an ear attentive to these celestial visitants, with an ear attuned to the diviner messages of Life, Truth, and Love, as they came to her upon invisible cables of the air,—these she has intercepted; these she has translated so that they speak to us; messages written not in cipher, but speaking to us in the intelligent accents of Love for all,—for all the weary, the heavy laden, the trouble stricken of this earth. I will venture the assertion that there is not a person here tonight, though he be not a Christian Scientist, but who can call up in the circle of his friends of his acquaintances some one whose restoration to health or whose regeneration of daily life attests the truth of what I say.

It is results, friends, that we are looking for, and if a tree be known by its fruits, then the seeds of this new religion have fallen on fruitful soil. The average American, with his love of fair play, with a spirit of liberality which is our common heritage, is ever alert to appropriate the good, although it has not come down through the long train of ages encased in conventional parchment. Thousands who have turned to Christian Science for the cure of the body, have found in it also the cure of the mind. In every civilized country of the earth the Church of Christ, Scientist, has found lodgment. The first edition of Science and Health, the Christian Science text-book, was published in 1875, and the development and expansion of the religion founded by Mrs. Eddy stands unique in history. Founded upon divine Principle, and not upon personality, the present continued increase in the organization of new churches, the accessions to membership in The Mother Church, refute the statements which you have doubtless read in the press and heard from some pulpits, that the passing on of its Founder would be the death-blow to Christian Science.

Correspondence.

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NEW GERMAN PAMPHLETS

September 9, 1911

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