One of the religious attractions of Boston is the Church of the Christian Scientists. Formerly they met in the Hawthorne Rooms,—aptly called the Church of the Holy Elevator, inasmuch as a lift is used to convey those heavenward who do not care to walk up two or three flights of stairs; but this year the Scientists worship in Chickering Hall, one of the most beautiful and comfortable halls in the city. The Sunday-school was in session, just before two o'clock. Those present were mostly adults, but the assemblage numbered in all 113, of whom eleven were officers and teachers. An earnest spirit prevailed. Mr. Murphy, the Superintendent, gave out a hymn which the children sang, standing in one corner, near the piano. It was a Christmas Hymn, by E. H. Sears. The Lord's Prayer was repeated in unison, firmly and distinctly. A chapter was read. No general lesson was given, however, and the children went into the ante-room for their lesson, the other attendants grouping themselves into classes.
Courteously bidden to enter any class, I sat in the front seat, along with those under the leadership of Edward A. Bailey, a young gentleman recently from Maine. They were studying the second chapter of the Fourth Gospel—John's, as it is commonly called—and considering particularly the expulsion of the traffickers from the courtyard of the Temple, by Jesus, who had the courage to put in force the latent feeling of the better class of the Jews, and try to remedy an abuse which had gradually rooted itself among them. Both ladies and gentlemen expressed themselves freely, and showed appreciation of their subject. The queries of strangers were kindly answered. That class, and all the others, were in full tide when the bell called the school to order, for a hymn and dismissal.
Meanwhile a congregation had rapidly gathered, numbering a few hundreds. A piano solo introduced the service (there being no organ) during which the preacher entered the platform. To my surprise this was the same gentleman in whose class I had been sitting, Mr. Bailey. A young lady sang a solo. This was followed by a hymn, sung by the congregation; who were supported by a coterie of friends near the instrument. The Bible was read, and the congregation united in silent devotion, afterwards joining Mr. Bailey in repeating the Lord's Prayer responsively. Another hymn, and then the sermon.
