Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1915-05-11
A LECTURE
ON
CHRISTIAN Science
WILLIS F. GROSS, c. S. B.
Member of the Board of Lectureship
of the Mother Church, The First
Church of Christ, Scientist, in Bos-
ton, Mass.

Science by Willis i. Gross, C.. S. B..
Member of the Board of Lectureship
of The Mother Church, The First
Church, of Christ, Scientist, in
Boston Mass, last Tuesday evening
at the Universalist church. this city.
The lecturer was introduced by
Alexander Archie, who said in part:
"The world never needed more than
now a general application of the
teachings of the Sermon on the Mount,
and any force which seems to strength
en- mems faith in the adequacy of the
teachings of the Nazarene TO meet
human needs and impels men to rely
upon a practical application of these
teachings to solve their problems
should have an eager welcome.
Christian Science abont which we
are to hear tonight is SUCH force,
and is worthy of serious considera-
ton. The gentleman who is to speak
to us is well qualified to present his
subject intelligently and authori-
lively, and | feel sure that every open
thought in this audience will receive
from this lecture some larger thought
of God which will be a comfort and
help in every time of need"
The lecturer spoke as follows:
1t is evident TO every well informed
person that Christian Science is a SUBJ
jecto of more than passing interest. For
nearly half century it has received
most respectful consideration, espec-
tally on the part of those Who felt the
need of more practical religion and
more effectual method of healing.
Many of these persons have found in
Christian Science that which healed
them morally and physically. AS the
result of this healing they have be-
come better citizens, neighbors, and
friends. Their influence for good has
increased many fold, not only in relig-
ious activities but in the social life
and the business world as well. They
enjoy greater freedom for they are
are not bound by the limitations of
mortal belief as formerly. They have
a truer sense of what it means TO live
and render effectual service in the
field of honest endeavor. All this is
the result of having gained more
practical idea of the Christian religion
and clearer realization of what it is
mans privilege to know and enjoy to-
day. Prevalent theories have Iele-
gated too much of good TO the past or
postponed the conscious possession
thereof to the far distant future.
Spiritual Teachings
Few persons will deny that Chris
tianity has been the greatest power
for good in the history of human eX-
perience. Throughout Christendom
at least Jesus of Nazareth is accepted
as the world's greatest religious leach
err. Those who preceded him prophe-
sled the fuller revelation Of Truth,
while those who came after could only
reiterate the fundamentals of his doc
trine and acknowledge their indebted
ness to the great demonstrators of Gods
power TO deliver suffering humanity
from the bondage of evil.
Jesus teachings were understood
only in part and the purpose
of his mission was comprehended
by few. He affirmed and re-
affirmed that he taught only the
things he had learned of the Father
Concerning the purpose of his life work
he said: '"To this. end was l born, and
for this cause came I into the world,
that l should bear witness unto the
truth" That he was faithful wit
ness even his enemies were compelled
TO acknowledge. When Inc spoke the
word "the people were astonished at
his doctrine; for he taught them as
one having authority, and not as the
scribes." He lived as he taught
Others to live, and he demonstrated
the truth and practical worth of his
teachings by healing the sick, reform
ing the sinner and doing many other
mighty works.
The multitudes apparently had eyes
and saw not; ears had they and heard
not. His teachings were understood
only by those who had risen above
materialiStic beliefs sufficiently to
discern their spiritual meaning. His
works were miSinterpreted because
the people failed to understand how
they were accomplished and to what
end.
Evidences of Christianity
Ii there are those who ask why the
signs do not follow today as of old
they are told there is no longer any
need of miracles as an evidence of the
truth of Christianity. 1t is asserted
that the good effects religious teach
ing on the lives and morals of men
are sufficient evidence that the Chris
tian religion is true. This is well
enough so far as il goes, but the mis-
take is made in concluding that the
physical healing accomplished by
members of the early church was
miraculous and was permitted at that
time only for the purpose OF establish
ing the truth of Christianity Is for
giveneSS Of sin Miraculous ii is not
SO regarded. Why should the healing
of sickness be considered miraculous
any more than the destruction of Siu2
Is it not considered that the overcOm-
ing Of sin is an eject of Christianity
and follows as natural consequences
Is it not taught that the more of the
Christ spirit one possesses the - he
is in bondage TO the evil of Sin2
The healing of sickness is oneof the /
beneficial effects of Christianity and il /