Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1906-06-10

largely Of recruits rescued from the
grave. a very large percentage OF
Christian Scientist converts having be-
come interested on account OF the
healing benefits which they have re-
ceived. In fact, Christian Science has
drawn it's adherents from all classes,
the clergy and medical fraternity In
cluded. Scarcely a village or town
can be found which has not band
of Christian Scientists, and hardly an
individual who has not some friend or
relative that has been beneficiary
of it.
So numerous have Christian Scien-
lists become within the last few years
that public criticism of it's teachings
can no longer be INDUCED In without
awaking prompt protest. The street
car and the railway coach may con-
tain an ardent believer, and the dis
senter frequently meets a prompt but
kindly challenge when he makes
statements derogatory to the cause or
it's Leader Two young ladies on the
front seat of an open street car hav-
ing just passed the Christian Science
church in Boston, quite naturally be
gan to speak on the subject Of Chris
tian Science, and it was noticed that
a gentleman in the same seat began
to move about uneasily as the CONVEX
sation was more or less uncompli-
mentary. At length he leaned over
and said to the ladies: Il trust you
will pardon the interruption of
stranger, but | cannot refrain from
telling you that more than fifteen
years ago, after having lost all hope
of recovery, | was healed of cOnsump-
ton through Christian Science, and
this to me is the strongest possible
argument in its favor" The fair crit
les looked up in surprise at the strong,
athletic man and speedily expressed
a more considerate attitude of thought.
Not long since two gentlemen en-
tered a railway coach One of them
was denouncing Christian Science in
heated manner. By and 5y his
friend left the train, and a Christian
Scientist who had overheard the con-
versation politely occupied the vacant
seat and began to speak of some of
the benefits which he had observed
in connection with Christian Science
treatment. The critic at once changed
his tone and began to refer to benefits
which he too had observed. This in
cident served to suggest that which
fosters and perpetuates the ap-
parently unabating interest in the
Christian Science movement. Wheth-
er or not we are ready to endorse
Christian Science, it cannot be denied
that its propagation is followed by
good results; that Christian Scientists
are an unusually healthy, happy peo-
pie and that they are richly endowed
with that rare accomplishment, broth
erly kindness.
Increasing Interest and Generosity.
A building like the one just COM
pleted in Boston as a central place of
meeting for the annual gatherings of
| the organization and which has been
built by contributions from Christian
Scientists in all parts of the world
evidences a genuine interest in their
own movement which has probably
been paralleled by no religious de-
nomination In the history of the world.
1t would appear as though the Chris
tian Scientists believe they are get
| ting the worth of their money or they
would not continue such unusual lib
erality year after year. A Christian
| Scientist said to the writer, when
was a member of another denomina-
| ton | contributed less than five per
cent of the amount which l now give,
and did that somewhat grudgingly.
| The change in my attitude has been
| altogether due to the prospective re-
suits of my giving. In the Christian
| Science church | find such an unusual
| abundance of fruitage that l am glad
| to make the larger and more fitting
return" 1t is evident that even in
religious matters one likes to get the
worth of his money.
The dedicatory exercises today will
be attended by visitors from all parts
of the United States and Canada, from
| Great Britain, Australia, Sweden, Den
mark, France, Germany, Switzerland,
the Hawaiian Islands, South America
| and other foreign countries 1t is said
| that they will not come simply to see
| the church edifice or for the exclusive
| purpose of being present at the dedi-
| catory service, but largely to show
| their interest in the movement their
| respect for it's Leader and to further
their understanding of Christian
| Science.
| Horticultural Hall, on Massachusetts
and Huntington avenues, has been Sc
cured as headquarters and at this
| place are to be found the various
| committees of arrangement. Here Wis
iting Scientists will be directed to ho-
| tells and boarding houses where they
will be provided for. Elaborate ar
rangements have been made for the
| convenience of visitors.
Description of the Church Services.
The Sunday service of the Christian
| Science Church consists of opening
and closing exercises similar to those
of other denominations The distin-
gushing feature is the Lesson sermon
which Mrs. Eddy has instituted in the
place of the clerical address. The
| Lesson-Sermon is a compilation of
Scriptural passages interspersed with
| correlative selections from the Chris
tan Science textbook, Science and
Health With Key to the Scriptures"
by Mrs. Eddy
Today is the date of the annual
Communion service and in addition to
the usual service and the dedicatory
address there will be added the char
acteristic communion of the Christian