It has been thought expedient to organize another church in the upper part of New York city, to which Mrs. Laura Lathrop is called as Pastor.
On Monday evening, Sept. 28th, a special meeting of the Church of Christ (Scientist), of this city, was called at the Reading-Room, 96 Fifth Ave., to take action to extend to our sister, by an outward expression of love, a Godspeed in her new field.
Mrs. Lathrop replied to this expression of love, and stated that while accepting the duties of her new position, she still remained in perfect at-one-ment with this church. She was but extending her Master's vineyard, and her only weapon was the sword of Truth wielded by the hand of Love.
Rev. Augusta E. Stetson, as pastor, spoke of the steady and permanent growth of the Church since its organization, and said,—"There are now, in this city, two branches of the one vine, the Mother Church of Boston; and may these branches grow stronger and stronger in the realization of the impersonal Christ."
The love of each and every member goes out to our sister as she enters upon her work in another field.
It was decided that all the students of the Alma Mater, residing in the city, meet together once a month, at 96 Fifth Ave., for general work for the good of the cause.—
Thankfulness for what Christian Science has done for me, and a desire to add my testimony to that of others, by way of the Journal, prompts me to write. It is nearly five years since I was healed, and the many and varied experiences since that time would be too lengthy for an article like this. A lesson learned the other day, after distributing Christian Science literature at our county fair, may perhaps be helpful to some one.
In interest thinking over the experience, and how few there were that seemed to be really interested, this Scripture came as a rebuke to my consciousness: "He that regardeth the wind shall not sow." And the still small voice adds another: "Sow beside all waters." The rebuke sinks deep, and I trust will bring forth fruits worthy of repentance.
We, Mr. G. and myself, scattered the circulars quite thoroughly, putting some in wagons, some near the hitching place for teams, some in the hands of others for distribution, and still others to those whom we thought looking for the Truth. Of the tracts, the one on "Freedom" was given out most freely, although we gave some of each of the different ones. One lady especially with whom we conversed, and to whom we gave of the several Tracts, said, "I do not know anything about Science, and I do not like to condemn without knowing something about it."
There are only three of us in regular attendance upon our Sunday services, which consist of a Sabbath School at half past ten a. m., and reading from Science and Health in the evening.— Exira, Iowa.
The Chautauqua, at this place, closed July 6th. We had our Christian Science headquarters on the ground, as usual. A great deal of rain fell during the session, consequently the attendance was not as large as formerly.
We did not receive as many callers at our tent as last year, but a good interest and friendly feeling was manifested by nearly all who called. I think there must have been one hundred and fifty callers that had known but little or nothing about Christian Science. We gave to each an assortment of the literature.
One old gentleman had been very antagonistic, but we had quite a long talk with him, and, as he was about to go, we asked him if he did not want some of the literature. He said, "Yes, I do not think any one can get too much of it."
For the past two months the M. D.'s have been stirred very much but every effort, on their part, to place this Truth in a bad light before the public, has resulted in good to our cause by sending many to investigate for themselves.
Our public services are better attended than ever before. I hear encouraging reports also from Blue Springs, Weeping Water and Kearney.— Beatrice, Neb.
In the August Journal is given a list of Libraries where the revised Science and Health was placed in circulation, and at the close of the article appears a note, saying:—"What is being done in North America?" Of course I can only give an account of a very small part of this country, but will say that after the advice from our Teacher to place this Book in the public libraries, we took a copy to ours, and it was very kindly received. A little later the first bound volume of the Series was put in.
Since then we have had neatly made, two boxes with covers, which we placed in the ladies' waiting room of our Union Depot, with the permission of the officials, and have put in one a Bible and a copy of Science and Health, with a Quarterly in each book, and on the outside of the box is lettered the words "Read and return." In the other box we keep a quantity of literature, and on the outside are these words: "Take one." We feel that many, who are daily waiting for trains, will be led to the Truth.
On last "Decoration Day" a Scientist distributed a great deal of literature throughout the cemetery.— Decatur, Ill.
For the past few months our meetings have been held in a pleasant room, conveniently located, which the students have secured for that purpose. The floor is covered with a pretty carpet, and we have two dozen chairs, a table, broom, duster, and contribution box, all paid for by voluntary contributions. Beside our Sunday Bible Lesson we have a meeting every Thursday evening for the study of Science and Health. All take part in reading, but we have no discussion. We are far from being satisfied with our work, yet the good news from all over the land encourages each one to do their individual best, knowing that God will, does give the increase in His own good time. We shall be grateful for any suggestions to help us on in the promotion of the cause of Truth. The Journal is full of good things.— Spokane, Washington.
I wish to give my testimony of the Journal's power for good. I was laboring under a seeming discord in myself, trying hard to realize there was no power in evil, when I took up the September Journal,—it had been in the house but a short time,—and looked it over carefully, reading some of the articles and cases of healing, taking a deeper interest even than usual in the Journal; as I laid it down I realized the deep peace that had come upon me, which has continued.— Waltham, Mass.
