The Lectures

with contributions from H. Cornell Wilson, Fremont E. Shurtleff, C. W. J. Tennant, Albert F. Gilmore, C. A. Stolberg

Boston, Mass.

William R. Rathvon on Monday evening [Jan. 31] delivered a lecture on Christian Science in The Mother Church. H. Cornell Wilson, first reader, in introducing the lecturer said:—

Christian Science is indissolubly connected with the onward and upward development of mankind. It provides the scientific way by which Christianity will attain for humanity those ideals that have ever been its hope. Mrs. Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science, defined it as "the law of God, the law of good, interpreting and demonstrating the divine Principle and rule of universal harmony" (Rudimental Divine Science, p. 1).

That the Principle and rule of Christian Science apply directly and beneficially to all physical, mental, moral, and spiritual conditions of mankind, whenever and wherever this Principle and rule are obeyed, is a fact that needs no emphasis on my part. The benefits of Christian Science are becoming generally known, and they are increasingly impressive. These lectures make it possible for more people to have a correct conception of how Christian Science works, and why, thus extending the influence and advantage of right, spiritual thinking.—The Christian Science Monitor.

Manchester, N. H.

Willis F. Gross delivered a lecture on Christian Science in the Palace Theater. He was introduced by Attorney Fremont E. Shurtleff, who said in part:—

Are the subjects taught in Christian Science those about which we ought to know, or are they mere academic questions of no real or vital importance? The true answer to this question will determine the extent of the possible benefits we may derive from this lecture.

Alexander Pope said that "the proper study of mankind is man," while Christian Science teaches that to know man aright we must know God, the author and creator of man, thus directing our thoughts, as do the Scriptures, to the fountainhead of all knowledge. It is claimed, too, that we can begin here and now to know God, not simply to know about Him; and to the extent that we acquire such knowledge and apply it, to that extent will our daily problems be solved,—evil will disappear and heaven be gained.

If we can thus acquaint ourselves with God, the importance of that fact cannot be overestimated. All the physical discoveries and inventions of the past ages, and all the material knowledge acquired by our greatest thinkers and investigators, sink into insignificance beside it. Is it true? Can it be done? Thousands of men and women throughout this and other countries, many of them of the highest intelligence, declare they have proven to their own satisfaction, by actual demonstration in their own lives, that it is true, that it can be done.—Correspondence.

Kingston-on-Thames, England

There was a large attendance in the assembly rooms, Surbiton, when a lecture on Christian Science was delivered by John W. Doorly. C. W. J. Tennant of London presided, and in introducing the lecturer said in part:—

We have reached a period in the world's history when the question is being asked by many, Has Christianity failed? Christian Science has come to assure us that Christianity has not failed, and never will fail, but that humanity has somewhat misunderstood, or not understood to the full, the teachings of our Master, and we have to put his teachings fully into practice. Christian Science comes with its message of love to mankind, revealing to us again the methods by which the early Christians healed the sick and which enabled the disciples of our Lord to come out and preach everywhere, "the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following."—Correspondence.

New York, N. Y.

The remarks of Albert F. Gilmore in introducing Dr. Francis J. Fluno, who lectured on Christian Science at the edifice of Second Church of Christ, Scientist, were in part as follows:—

It may be truly said that Christian Science is the religion of optimism, if one may judge by the cheerfulness, happiness, and hopefulness of its adherents and followers. If one were to inquire for the reason of this assurance, this splendid confidence, it would be found that it is not due to mere belief, unfounded opinion, but that it comes from a very definite and absolute knowledge and understanding, an understanding of the greatest of all truths.—the truth about God and man, and the scientific relation between God and man. And then with this knowledge, with this understanding, there comes the great truth that God is ever present good, omniactive, all-power, all-presence; that man is the expression, the reflection of that infinite good,—perfect God and perfect man; and this knowledge coming into man's consciousness dispels the clouds of darkness and fear and doubt of whatever kind. and brings that calm and peace and assurance which is well defined as "optimism," optimism in the highest and best sense.—Correspondence.

Canton, Ohio

The new building of First Church of Christ, Scientist, Cleveland Avenue N.W., was filled to its capacity when Willis F. Gross gave a lecture on Christian Science. Mayor C. A. Stolberg in introducing the speaker said:—

It requires no belief in miracles to prove to any intelligent man that a true God exists. It is impossible to study nature without believing in nature's God. No man with the welfare of his city at heart would tear down the present religious institutions, but the good done largely depends on the helpfulness to the individual. The so-called social problem of today is the problem of the individual. Moral and social reform is individual reform. A creed of religious belief must be based on truth to endure; even the work of fiction, no matter beautifully written, must have a grain of truth in the story to live beyond the generation in which it is published. I am not a Christian Scientist, but in this great land of ours we all have the right to believe as our conscience dictates, and I firmly believe a religion should rather teach us how to live than how to die.—Canton News.

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