The Lectures
Introductions to Lectures
Cristobal, Canal Zone (Society).
Lecturer: Prof. Hermann S. Hering; introduced by Mrs. Christine F. Sears, who said:—
Those who have proved in their own experience that the teachings of Christian Science are true, rejoice that their friends wish to hear the truth about these teachings. It was in the summer of 1910 that I first learned about Christian Science, after I had been told by a physician that I had an incurable disease; and I was sick and discouraged when some Christian Science literature was given me. I read it gladly. Through this study I gained a new understanding of God, and found the way to health and happiness. Since that time Christian Science has been my only physician.
Far Rockaway, New York (First Church).
Lecturer: William Duncan Kilpatrick; introduced by Mrs. Hannah M. Franken, who said:—
In answer to the question asked of God by the Hebrew leader and lawgiver, Moses, as to how he could bring the Israelites to Canaan there came this declaration: "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." This holy presence with its blessed assurance of surcease from discord, want, sickness, and all evil, is even now an abiding presence, an ever available consciousness. The prophets of old, the Master, Jesus the Christ, and his faithful disciples, all equipped with the hearing ear and the seeing eye, in short with receptivity, felt this gentle presence and thus understood God. In this age another disciple of Love, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, discerned this divine presence; and this enabled her to pierce the mist of ignorance, doubt, and materiality. Christian Science is the knowledge of the Christ. It expounds and explains the teachings of the Nazarene in all their simplicity and accuracy. It is pure Christianity without creed, dogma, or ritualism. It is the truth, which Jesus promised would make free.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (First Church).
Lecturer: Judge Frederick C. Hill; introduced by W. Gordon Mills, who said:—
The Christian Science Board of Lectureship, perhaps more than any similar organization in the world to-day, is literally fulfilling the two great Christian commands, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature;" "Heal the sick." These lecturers do indeed go forth into all the world. Their journeys encircle the entire civilized globe: and as they go they do preach the gospel and they do heal the sick. I know this from personal experience, because it was through the medium of a Christian Science lecture that I received my own first experience of spiritual healing. I do not mean that I had any personal interview with the lecturer: in fact. I never even shook hands with him. and I have never seen him again, from that day to this; but the gospel which he preached that day has remained with me. It has transformed my whole life. It has given me health; it has given me happiness; it has given me God. Christian Science can open the gateway to freedom in every direction. It can transform your life, it can give you health; it can give you happiness; it can give you a demonstrable knowledge of God.
Stettin, Germany (Society).
Lecturer: Charles I. Ohrenstein; introduced by Frau Nella Schumacher, who said:—
In the Scriptures the Apostle Paul speaks of the "glorious liberty of the children of God." Christian Science teaches us how we can gain this liberty, and how the fetters of sin, disease, and death can fall from us. It teaches us that God is Love, and that He is present everywhere and is the only power. Our beloved Leader says on page 227 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures": "Citizens of the world, accept the 'glorious liberty of the children of God,' and be free! This is your divine right."
Christ Jesus proved this right by his demonstrations in healing the sick and sinning. He healed the sick and sinning through the power of God. In saying, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise," he acknowledged only one power. So, through the teachings of Christian Science, the Christ, Truth, has been revealed to us anew. We are beginning to draw upon divine Love, and to avail ourselves of the blessings which flow from this source. Before I knew of Christian Science I was sick and unhappy, knowing nothing of the "glorious liberty of the children of God." Like a redeeming angel Christian Science came to me and began to free me. I am sincerely grateful to have found this beautiful teaching of Christian Science, in which all darkness disappears and in which the light of Truth and Love appears in all its glory. Hence, it follows from our beloved Master's words, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world," that the Christ, Truth, is applicable at all times and that it is eternal.
Alliance, Nebraska (First Church).
Lecturer: Hon. William E. Brown; introduced by Ivah Wilson, who said:—
In the forty-sixth psalm we read, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This was proved to me about nine years ago. Before I took up the study of Christian Science I had what physicians called a severe case of influenza. The doctors informed a member of my family that they could do no more for me. It was then that this member urged me to try Christian Science. I was bitterly opposed to what I thought Christian Science was; but after a battle with stubbornness I consented, was taken to a practitioner, and was instantly healed. In the years following I have found that when the divine Principle, Love, has been scientifically applied, it has enabled me to solve all my problems.
