El Reno, Okla.

Judge Clifford P. Smith lectured to a large and comprehensive audience at the El Reno Theater. He was introduced by L. A. Wilson, director of the First National bank, as fellows:—

That the world is growing better and better, more rapidly at this time than at any other period in its history, is generally conceded by all thinking people. To my mind the most hopeful sign, and one of the most potent factors in this upward march of the human race, is the very manifest desire of men and women everywhere in this day to know the truth, regardless of the particular form or name of the channel or organization through which knowledge of the truth may come. Surely the straight-jacket of dogma and creed sits but lightly on the shoulders of thinking men and women today, and with open minds they meet and welcome any knowledge of the truth of being that will help them better to live their daily lives.

We have met here tonight to listen to a lecture on Christian Science, a system of thought and living which bases its tenets on the eternal Principle of truth, love, and right, and whose wonderful growth and demonstrated results during many years past have commanded the attention of the whole civilized world. I do not profess to know a great deal about Christian Science, in fact I know very little about it, but surely any system of human thought and action which teaches the beneficent doctrines of good as against evil, of right as against wrong, of love in place of hate, of health in place of sickness, of cheerfulness and good will as opposed to discouragement and despair, and which bids a burdened humanity raise its head and look up to higher and better things, not away off, or some time in the future, but here and now, and which, moreover, is able to prove its claims by its fruits, is entitled to the respectful attention and the serious consideration of all thinking people, regardless of any previous habits of thought they may have had or prejudices they may have held.—Correspondence.

Monroe, Wis.

An audience of about two hundred was present at Turner Opera House to listen to the lecture on Christian Science by Judge Clifford P. Smith. The speaker was introduced by Harrison A. Smith of the Monroe Electric Company, who said:—

Christian Science, in offering a new view of religious truth, admits that it should prove itself every step of the way, and present an accurate and scientific religion which meets the practical, every-day needs of all men. There are among us this evening some who have tasted the fruits of Christian Science, and have been lifted from sickness and inharmony to health and happiness; there are others who are searching for release from the bondage of disease, and more who desire to learn of Christian Science. So it gives me great pleasure to introduce Judge Clifford P. Smith, who will speak to you on the teachings of Christian Science.—Monroe Evening Times.

Oswego, N. Y.

Clarence C. Eaton delivered a lecture on Christian Science before an audience that comfortably filled the church edifice. He was introduced by Frederick B. Shepard, president of the Oswego Chamber of Commerce, who said:—

It is always a pleasure for thinking people to avail themselves of opportunities to hear expositions of mooted questions by those who are recognized as having authority to speak. We are all glad to obtain information, except perhaps on questions pertaining to religious faiths other than our own. It is well for us that most people accept without question the religious beliefs of their mother, for her religion has made the mother the ruler of the Christian world; and it is but natural that we should feel a resentment toward any encroachment upon that particular religion which made our mothers to us individually the highest exponents of the human race.

Many characters demand something that is not found in their early environment, and the gratification of those desires has led to explorations into the various fields of science and religion. Among the many sects of the Christian religion is one which has come into being during the lifetime of most of us. Those who can view it with as little prejudice or bias or bigotry as it is possible for those of one faith to view the effects of another faith on its devotees, must ascribe a resultant serenity or happiness upon its followers which is not common, and which leads us to believe that it is a great boon to those who have embraced it. It is to learn more of this religious faith that we are here this evening, and I am sure we will all derive a great deal of instructive pleasure from the lecture which will now be delivered.—Correspondence.

Fortuna, Cal.

Hon. Clarence A. Buskirk, who lectured on Christian Science at the Methodist church, was introduced by Mrs. M. E. Van Duzer as follows:—

The understanding of God which is gained through the study of Christian Science may be likened to Jesus' parable of the talents. The talents which were put to use increased with usury. The understanding of God increases or unfolds through application, while the unused talent decays and is lost. Christian Science is indeed a practical religion, useful daily and hourly. Only through living the precepts which Jesus taught are Christian Scientists enabled to prove the omnipotence and omnipresence of God here and now; "a very present help in trouble," be it physical or mental.

The Humboldt Beacon.

Akron, Ohio

Professor Olin of Buchtel College, in introducing Bicknell Young, who lectured on Christian Science, said:—

It is indeed a pleasurable honor to stand before this splendid audience to present the speaker of the evening upon a Christian subject.

Christianity is not upon the defensive, as some critics of life would have us believe; it moves forward, conquering, and still to conquer, every stronghold of sin and suffering and sorrow. Of sin it is promised, that "the knowledge of the Lord" shall cover the earth "as the waters cover the sea;" of suffering, that our joy shall be full; of sorrow, that God himself shall wipe away the tears from every eye. We are fighting forward in a tremendous campaign that will not be finished until we are redeemed, soul and body, to purity and strength. We sing,—

An army moves in brigades and battalions and regiments and companies, and in the battle different divisions may have different duties. One may attack this stronghold, and another that; one may charge up a mountainside, and another sweep the plain; each makes its own challenge, and backs it up with its life; but the victory of one is the victory of all.

So in the Christian struggle, different divisions may have different points of attack; each gives its challenge, and backs it up with its life of devotion. Christian Science makes its challenge to the materialism of this day, and it is a mental challenge. Material philosophy and Christian Science cannot both live. Christian Science is a sane attempt to build human life upon a basis of spirituality; and to this every Christian can say "God speed." But in establishing life upon a spiritual basis there are far-reaching consequences in the physical plane, and Christian Science has the courage to face the logic of its own argument. In this, too, every Christian can say "God speed," since the victory of one is the victory of all.—Correspondence.

Cambridge Springs, Pa.

A lecture on Christian Science was given by Virgil O. Strickler in the Avenue Theater to a very attentive audience. The lecturer was introduced by Mrs. Carrie Stoughton, supervisor of music in the public schools, who spoke as follows:—

We are living in an age of progress, in a time when people are wanting to know about many things. A spirit of inquiry is abroad, and there has never been a time when men desired so earnestly to know about those things which lie back of the physical, in the realm of the metaphysical, and which are perceived but dimly by man in his present state of advancement. Christian Science is the science of metaphysics, and goes back to the unseen cause of visible effects. You are here tonight because you have heard something about it. You perhaps know of some one who has been brought from the brink of the grave, or another who has been healed of a so-called incurable disease, or others who have been brought out of poverty, discouragement, or other abnormal conditions. So, in order that those who desire it may learn more of Christian Science, and also to correct some erroneous impressions regarding it, we have one with us this evening who will speak on the subject that is engaging the attention of people the world over.—Correspondence.