Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-06-11

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| ly of recruits rescued from the grave,
a very large percentage of Christian
Science converts having become inter
ested on account of the healing bene-
| fits which they have received. In fact,
Christian Science has drawn its adher-
ents from all classes, the clergy and
medical fraternity included Scarcely
| a village or town can be found which
| has not a 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 Scientists
become within the last few years that
public criticism of its teachings can no
longer be INDUCED in without awaken
ing prompt protest The street car and
the railway coach may contain an ar
dent believer. and the dissenter fire.
Quently meets a prompt but kindly
challenge when he makes statements
derogatOry to the cause of its leader.
Two young ladies on the front seat of
an open street car, having just passed
the Christian Science church in Bos-
ton quite naturally began to speak on
the subject of Christian Science, and
it was noticed that gentleman in the
same seat began to move about un-
easily as the conversation was more or
less uncomplimentary At length hel
leaned over and said to the ladies': I'll
trust you will pardon the interruption
of stranger, but cannot refrain from
telling you that more than 10 years ago,
after having lost all hope of recovery,
hnn 1eaI inf1 TO-
Christian Science. and this to me is
the strongest possible argument in its
favor The fair critics looked up inl
surprise at the strong, athletic man
and speedily expressed more consid-
crate attitude of thought.
Not long since two gentlemen enter
ed railway coach One of them was
denouncing Christian Science in al
heated manner. BY and by his friend
left the train. and a Christian Scientist
who had overheard the conversation pO-
litely occupied the vacant seat and be-
gan 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 be-
gan to refer to benefits which he. too,
suggest that which fosters and per-
petuates the apparently unabating in
terest in the Christian Science move |
ment. Whether or not we are ready |
to endorse Christian Science it cannot |
be denied that its propagation is follow
ed by good results; that Christian |
Scientists are an unusually healthy. |
happy people. and that they are richly |
endowed with that rare accomplish |
ment. brotherly kindness.
increasing Interest and Generosity.
\ building like the one just. complet- |
ed in Boston as 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 evil |
dences a genuine interest in their own
which has probably been
paralleled by no religious denomina-
ton in the history of the world. 1t
would appear as though the Christian
Scientists believe they are getting the
worth of their money or they would not /
continue such unusual liberality year |
after year. A Christian Scientist said
to the writer, when | was a member
of another denomination | contributed
less than five per cent of the amount
which | now give, and did that some
what grudgingly. The change in my
attitude has been altogether due to
the prospective results of my giving.
In the Christian Science church | find
such an unusual abundance of fruit
age that | am glad to make the larger
and more, fitting return" 1t is evident
hat, even ip. religious matters one likes
10 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,
he Hawaiian islands, South America
and other foreign countries. 1t is said
hat they will not come simply to see
he church edifice or for the exclusive
purpose of being present at the dedica
DRY service, but largely to show their
interest in the movement, their respect
or it's leader and to further their I'M
lerstanding of Christian Science.
Horticultural hall on Massachusetts
md Huntington avenues has been Sc
cured as headquarters and at this place
ire to be found the various committees
If arrangement. Here visiting Scien-
lists will be directed to hotels and
boarding houses where they will be
provided for. Elaborate arrangements
lave been made for the convenience of
,isitOrs.
Description of the Church Services.
The Sunday service of the Christian
Science church consists of opening
md closing exercises similar to those
If other denominations. The disting- .
fishing feature is the lesson sermon
which Mrs. Eddy has instituted in the :
,lace of the clerical address. The les :
is a compilation of scrip !
AIc II Mornoc0A