NORTH YAKIMA, WASH.

The lecture on Christian Science by Virgil O. Strickler in the Masonic Temple hall was well attended by an appreciative audience. J. Lenox Ward, prosecuting attorney, in introducing Mr. Strickler, said:—

The cause of the enthusiasm of the adherents of Christian Science is that they believe they have caught a glimpse of the true nature of God; while their explanation of the violent criticism by their opponents is that their opponents are fiercely attacking a misconception of the teaching of Christian Science, and not the teaching itself. It may be well to act upon the admonition of Gamaliel of old, "Let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." Whether or not this doctrine is of men or of God, and whether or not it is a dying or a living belief, the fact that in the third of a century since its foundation it has established churches in all civilized countries and in all cities of any importance in this country, shows the prosperity which the church has enjoyed. It is time, if criticism be made, that it be made intelligently, and that all people should understand its precepts and Principle, as most of the differences of opinions and anguish of mind are caused by misunderstandings. It is well people are desiring to get the truth; and I believe that is why you are here tonight, to gain a more thorough understanding of the doctrine and Principle of the Christian Science church.—Yakima Herald.

ALTRINCHAM, ENGLAND.

Bliss Knapp, who lectured at the Public hall on Christian Science, was greeted with a large attendance. W. Melland, who presided, said this movement had been so very much misunderstood in the past, and was being misunderstood today, though in a lesser degree,—very often due to sheer ignorance,—that it seemed only right that a board of lectureship should be established which could send its lecturers all over the world to do away with the misapprehension under which Christian Science had lain for so long. That this misapprehension existed was not, he thought, at all astonishing when they remembered how much people took their opinions of subjects ready-made from the newspapers. The daily press had not grasped the meaning and significance of Christian Science, and therefore when it did speak about it in its columns it frequently misrepresented it.

This religion had made enormous strides, especially in latter years, and he very much doubted whether there was a single country in the whole of the civilized world but what had some adherents of this new-old faith. This religion was attracting very large numbers of people for the reason, it seemed to him, that it did not offer an empty creed, but something which many other religions did not, namely, a direct inspiration, and it had eminently a bearing on the daily lives of its adherents. Many thousands were turning toward it today, but he imagined that Christian Scientists did not lay very much stress on mere numbers. He fancied that what they asked was, Were the followers of Christian Science living the Christ-life? On the answer given to that question lay the verdict as to whether success or failure was being achieved.

In the north of England and in that part of the world many people were turning toward Christian Science because it was an eminently practical religion. In that part of the world they were supposed to be very practical, and naturally a religion that bore upon daily lives and did not simply theorize, but proved its statements step by step, had a very strong attraction for them, and although it was in the highest degree metaphysical it was, for the very reason of being able to give those proofs of its truth, open to the understanding of the most simple-minded persons. To those persons who disapproved of Christian Science, one would say that if it was not true they need have no fear of it. If it was not true it could not live. If it was of God, and was of the truth, then nothing could stop it. It had come to stay, and the more it was criticized and the more it was reviled, the quicker it would come. That had always been so in the history of persecution.

One thing that had attracted him very much to Christian Science was the attitude it bore toward those who reviled it. It did not revile in return; so far as he had ever seen, it went on its quiet, peaceful way. There was one feature that he had specially noticed when he had come across Christian Scientists, and that was the tone and feeling of happiness and harmony, and of calm and concord, that seemed to reign among them. He had met a good many in that country, in the United States, in Canada, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and wherever he had been among them he had noticed that quality.—Altrincham Guardian.

WHEATON, ILL.

Frank H. Leonard, who lectured on Christian Science in Library hall, was introduced as follows by Albert C. Swan:—

The question "What is truth" is answered in Christian Science by demonstration. Christian Science has come, to quote the words of the prophet Isaiah, "to preach good tidings unto the meek, to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, ... to comfort all that mourn; ... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." In fact it has been only through the wonderful works which it has accomplished, and the gratifying results accorded to thousands, yea hundreads of thousands of its happy adherents and followers, that it has been able to circle the civilized globe. Christian Scientists are not disposed to force their views upon others, and it is not the purpose of the lecturer to convert anybody to its faith, but that Christian Science may be set before the public in its true light. Christian Scientists have accepted this teaching because through it they have been able to enjoy a greater measure of peace, of life, of happiness, of hope, a greater measure of all those things which go to make for the happiness and well-being of mankind. Christian Science teaches the omnipotence and omnipresence of God. It has no unkind word, it harbors no malice, and bears no hatred toward those of differing beliefs and opinions. It is the religion taught by the golden rule; it is to be lived for happiness' sake. It is a religion intended for the rich, the poor, the halt, the blind, the strong, the weak; for the sick and the sinning. It teaches the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.

Correspondence.

WATERBURY, CONN.

The annual lecture on Christian Science was delivered at Leavenworth hall by Francis J. Fluno, M.D. Dr. Fluno was introduced by Representative Seth D. Bingham of Naugatuck, who spoke as follows:—

You have been invited to attend this lecture to hear one propound to you the objects, the aims, the tenets of Christian Science; to tell you what it teaches, what it practises, what it accomplishes; to correct mistaken, erroneous impressions regarding it, and to acquaint you with the wonderful message of peace and love that it proclaims. We view the turbulent, disturbed, chaotic religious and political atmosphere of this time, not with alarm or superstitious fear, but with supreme confidence and an abiding faith in the power and supremacy of truth and good to overcome and eliminate all error. We regard compassionately the unequal struggle of humanity for better conditions, for health and harmony and happiness, and we triumphantly point you to that unbounded, never-failing, ever-available source of all supply, divine Love, for a remedy. We affirm that Christian Science is the most potent, the most efficacious therapeutic agent ever known in this or in any other age of this world; and in verification of that statement we proudly yet humbly offer you the testimony of thousands who have been healed of sin, disease, and fear, of proverty and want, and who now rejoice in the glorious liberty of the promise.—Correspondence.

POTTSVILLE, PA.

William R. Rathvon delivered a lecture on Christian Science at the Y. M. C. A. hall. He was introduced by Attorney A. D. Knittle, who said:—

This is an age of education and enlightenment, which brings in its train advancement in all the affairs of humanity. Witness the tremendous strides taken in the past few decades in electricity, mechanics, aeronautics, and all the other sciences. Why not then in religion, the very science of life, both material and spiritual? If by progression and enlightenment, brought about by modern thought, we can develop a religion freed from the mists of doctrinism and ecclesiasticism, so simple and clear that it will approach the religion taught by Christ in his lifetime, the world will be the gainer. I am not a Christian Scientist, but I have a number of friends who are; and I say to you that if you and I by studying Christian Science can gain that peace which I personally see is characteristic of them, we shall be more than repaid for our investigation.—Correspondence.