Editorials

THE subject of religious ordinances is frequently referred to by those who are interested in Christian Science, adversely or otherwise, and the neophyte is often called upon to give a reason for his changed views concerning Baptism and the Communion. With respect to the former, we find it first mentioned in the Bible as the distinguishing feature of John the Baptist's ministry.

The following correspondence between our Leader and First Church of Christ, Scientist, London, upon the occasion of the laying of the corner-stone of the new edifice in that city, will be read with interest. London, S.

The following appreciative telegram was received by our Leader from the December, 1904, Primary class of the Board of Education:— Boston, Mass. , December 9, 1904.

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Concord, N. H.

The Christmas issue of The Boston Globe contained a very interesting symposium of answers to the question, "Have the events of 1904 been such as to add encouragement to the hope that the world is approaching the reign of universal peace and to give promise for a growth of the spirit of the Prince of Peace in the New Year?" Fifteen prominent persons contributed their views to this symposium, and the majority of them are agreed that substantial progress toward universal peace has been made. Our Leader's contribution appeared as follows:— HOW STRIFE MAY BE STILLED.

I Have reached the conclusion that God is not a conscious being.

A Happy New Year! With what cheer those familiar words are filled. They tell of new hopes, new possibilities, new energies, new opportunities, new joys.

The International Quarterly , in calling attention to the changes which have taken place in denominational theology, says,— "With every year it becomes more and more certain that by the year 2000 no ecclesiastical organization now existing in America will retain its present form. This statement was made as early as the year 1870 by the distinguished president of Brown University.

The following cablegram, conveying an expression of the love of the English students, was recently received by our Leader. London, November 28, 1904.

WITH the coming of Christmas we are led to think upon the significance of the God-idea in other and far different associations than those of the present time. Long centuries ago, hope sped forward into the future to the time when the Messiah should reign, but Immanuel —God with us— was unknown.