The Lectures

Memphis, Tenn.

Virgil O. Strickler delivered two lectures on Christian Science in the new auditorium of First Church.At the first lecture he was introduced by ex- Assistant Attorney-General David A. Frayser, who said:—

I am not a Christian Scientist, but I have had full opportunity to observe the teachings of the Christian Science church and to note the results. I can attest, therefore, that Christian Science is a religion of uplook and uplift, a religion that broadens and humanizes and spiritualizes. It brings man nearer to his fellow man, and nearer to his God. I know, moreover, that those who follow it in truth and sincerity lead very happy lives, and are large factors in the joy, cheer, and happiness of those about them. I also desire to say that it is not a religion of rigid dogma or foolish formalism, but is practical in its nature and operation, one that is carried into the home life and world life of its followers. The world is better because of Christian Science and Christian Scientists.

At the second lecture the introductory remarks of C. N. Churchill were in part as follows: —

Reared in an atmosphere of materia medica, my father having been orthodox allopathic physician, I naturally drifted into the drug business, afterward becoming a gratitude in pharmacy. It may readily be seen what my attitude of thought was toward that which I believed to be such foolishness,—Christian Science. In accordance with Paul's statement, "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Having been a sufferer with chronic catarrh for over thirty years, resulting in serious stomach, lung, liver, and kidney troubles, I endured this complication of diseases for five years. My condition then having become hopeless, and being thoroughly discouraged, I was induced, after having refused Christian Science a number of times, to take up the study of it, with the result that I was thoroughly and completely healed without any other treatment than the study of this teaching as set forth in our text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. While this physical healing was wonderful, it sinks into insignificance in comparison with the spiritual regeneration which took place in consciousness.

Correspondence.


Malden, Mass.

The introduction by  Louis R. Muller, first reader, of William D. McCrackan, M.A., who lectured on Christian Science at the Malden Auditorium, was in part as follows:—

We are here to listen to a lecture on Christian Science. To many the subject is not new, but to others the words "Christian Science" mean little more than a new doctrine or theory which may be an interesting field for investigation.

A twofold discovery awaits such listeners: first, that the truths of Christian Science are not new, for truth is always eternal; second, that an investigation of this subject is wholly unlike any other. The Science or knowledge which is the subject of such investigation is not a thing of material statistics or human theory, but a spiritual fact—the fact of man's relation to God; and it dwells for each man in his own consciousness, for "the kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."

I have said that the truth presented is old, older than the earthly advent of Jesus, for the Christ bore testimony of himself in these words, "Before Abraham was, I am;" and again, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." Each statement of truth to which you listen has always been your true though perhaps unrecognized possession. Turning to the Bible we read in John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. . . . That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

When we turn to this eternal light as reflected in the acts of Jesus, we find that his earthly career was a series of demonstrations of the truth he came to teach. He was a Wayshower whose guidance is so clear that there is no occasion for stumbling to those follow his path, which leads into all truth.—Correspondence.


Pocatello, Idaho

Bliss Knapp, who lectured on Christian Science, was introduced as follows by Attorney Carl Barnard:—

There was a time when the term Christian Science meant nothing to most of those who heard it, other than that it was but another name given by some fanatic to an old or new fad or doctrine; but an intelligent people have gradually come to know otherwise. All mankind, whether they realize it or not, desire the good which abounds; and all mankind, whether they acknowledge it or not, know that true Christianity is that good which they desire.

It is but a truism to say that the understanding of any proposition is better and more clearly defined when studied and practised scientifically; therefore, why not the study and practise of Christianity scientifically? Such, as I understand it, is the mission of Christian Science.—Correspondence.


Santa Monica, Cal.

A large audience greeted the lecture of the Hon. Clarence A. Buskirk at First Church of Christ, Scientist, of this city. The speaker was introduced by the Hon. George H. Hutton, who said:—

During the past fifteen years it has been my privilege on different occasions to introduce a lecturer to an audience of this kind. Thinking over the matter tonight, and my own mental condition and attitude, the evolution has been rather interesting; but I would like as a personal matter to say that I believe I owe to Christian Science my health and ability to be here tonight.

The difficulty with which the Christian Science idea has to contend is not one of unbelief or disbelief in its Principle, but in a refusal to learn what that Principle really is. This is not particularly surprising, for all new movements are accepted with more or less suspicion ; the world was slow to believe that the earth was round, and insisted that it was square. It was round all the time. The fact was there, but humanity was slow to accept it. Humanity was also slow to accept the law underlying gravitation, which was, however, working just the same. The failure of humanity to accept the truth is so much the worse for humanity, not for the fact. It is just so with the fundamental truth of Christian Science which will be clarified and explained tonight. It is not something new; it was always here, reaching deep down into the very nature and essence of things everlasting and eternal, stated in simple terms, declared and illustrated by Mrs. Eddy; and it will be explained here tonight by one of the authorized lecturers, who will state her teachings without modification and without exaggeration. If you are convinced, you will have to accept. If you are not convinced, you are not yet ready. The promise is to "whosoever will."

Santa Monica Outlook.


Glens Falls, N. Y.

Following are the words of introduction by Harry E. Swan, first reader, at the lecture of Judge Clifford P. Smith on Christian Science:—

Jesus said: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." It is proof positive, when we see the increased attendance at Christian Science services and lectures, that the trend of human thought in recent years has been to reach out for something higher and holier, more practical and substantial than the dogmas and theories of the past. Thinking people generally concede that there can be and is a reiteration of the teachings of Jesus the Christ. It is true that "one touch of nature makes the whole world kin," and surely we meet on common ground in our endeavor to elevate the standard of man and bring him to realize his birthright and dominion, not his subjection. Because we know that in Christian Science we have a religion which "always has met and always will meet every human need" (Science and Health, p. 494), we enjoy our privilege of having a lecture semiannually for the purpose of giving the public a better understanding of the healing and regenerating influence of this gospel of love.—Correspondence.


Portland, Maine

An audience of about fourteen hundred listened to the lecture given under the auspices of the local First Church of Christ, Scientist, at City Hall. The lecturer of the evening, Bicknell Young, was introduced by the Rev. Harry E. Townsend of Westbrook, who said:—

Every age has dreamed of an ideal condition of human society. Plato dreamed of his republic, St. Augustine of the city of God, Moore of Utopia, and Jesus of his kingdom divine. Plato, St. Augustine, and Moore believed that this ideal condition of society would come through governmental law. Jesus believed that it would come through obedience to moral law, by doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, by seeking "the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." Then as the flowers turn to the sunlight and as rivers run to the sea, so man shall come to his moral and spiritual heritage in God. Because I believe that the Christian Science department of the Christian church is trying to bring in God's kingdom, I take pleasure in introducing the speaker of the evening.—Evening Express.


Punxsutawney, Pa.

The lecture on "Christian Science and its Results" by William R. Rathvon in the Jefferson Theater was well attended. The lecturer was introduced by Prof. H. H. Smith, who said in part:—

The teachings of Jesus and of the early apostles are accepted almost universally throughout the leading nations of the world by all religious bodies. All accept him as the Wayshower, but differ as to the interpretation of his teachings. If it is true that Jesus is "the way," then it becomes important that we understand this way, if we wish to be free.

Christian Science claims to be the reestablishment and the practical application of the teachings of Jesus, as employed by him nineteen centuries ago. Whether you agree with this claim or not, it is not now seriously questioned that Christian Science does heal diseases. It has healed thousands of hopeless sufferers, and you will find its churches scattered broadcast throughout the world. It is a question, however, which needs to be approached without prejudice, a subject which needs honest, judicious, and careful consideration. Why reject it because we hear it spoken of lightly? All reforms have been brought about through persecution. Why doubt it because we at first cannot understand it? We do not doubt the truth of algebra or geometry before we have made a study of these subjects, and neither should we doubt the claims made concerning the work of Christian Science until we have honestly investigated for ourselves, applied its teachings, and proved them either true or false.

Many of us know what it is to be in bondage to sin, sickness, and sorrow. Life's problems are many and the burdens at times seem almost too much to bear; Perhaps there is a message for you here tonight. Only have ears to hear and eyes to see those things which are of God—we cannot mistake, for the Master said, "When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth;" that is, the knowledge of truth will make you free.

Christian Science claims that Jesus meant what he said, and that an understanding of his teachings is just as effective today to heal disease and cleanse from sin and make men free, as when centuries ago he went about Judaea preaching and teaching.—The Punxsutawney Spirit.

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Testimony of Healing
Perhaps my experience in becoming a convert to the teachings...
December 6, 1913
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