A Christian Science lecture lasts an hour, but its value far transcends this short time. It is not merely one of many civic events, but is of unique importance to any community in which it is given. For many, it will be an event which will change the basis of thinking and living, will explain to them something of the Science of being, and will introduce them to a scientific, positive approach to their daily problems. A lecture is an important event for the branch Church of Christ, Scientist, which is sponsoring it. for the community which is receiving it, for the Christian Science movement as a whole, and for the world.
The world-changing effect of a Christian Science lecture may be likened to that of a stone dropped in a large pond, with resulting ripples spreading far beyond the point at which the stone entered the water. The known healings which occur during that hour, the increased interest in Christian Science, and the larger attendance at its churches, which usually follow, are only some of its effects.
Christ Jesus described the influence of the words of Truth upon receptive consciousness when he said (John 4:14), "The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." The self-sustaining quality of Truth is experienced by those who leave a Christian Science lecture inspired and awakened spiritually and mentally and who are experiencing the fruits of Truth in their own lives. A Christian Science lecture imparts that same truth which Jesus gave and which he said would make us free. Since the inspiration of Love impels the delivery of the lecture, one cannot estimate how far the influence of the lecture will be felt or its message carried.
The giving of lectures is but one of the activities of the Church of Christ, Scientist, by which it fulfills the purpose of Church as given in the second part of the Glossary definition on page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy: "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."
This definition reveals that the purpose of the human institution is to awaken mankind from evil and suffering through spiritual teaching and healing. A Christian Science lecture could not accomplish this if it were merely a talk about Truth; basically it evidences the very activity of Truth itself, dispelling error.
For the membership of a branch church which is giving a lecture, the occasion is both a challenge and an opportunity. Since it is an opportunity, everything about the event—the purpose, the place, and the time —must be right, for this is the meaning of the word "opportunity." The purpose of such a lecture is to acquaint the individual, particularly the one who knows nothing of Christian Science, with this Science, to arouse his awareness of God, and to point the way to freedom from ills of every kind. This purpose is God-inspired and God-directed.
The church members may help to bring about the success of the lecture by knowing that true attraction is spiritual. Then they can feel assured that the lecture will be appreciated, welcomed, and attended by those in the community who are receptive. They may further help by entertaining only right concepts of man: he must be seen as a compound spiritual idea, reflecting Truth, loving Truth. The members' daily demonstration of Christian Science will promote an atmosphere favorable to the lecture.
The time and place must also be right, for all right activity is under the government of God. The realization of this fact will destroy the belief of counterattractions or inconvenience, guide the branch church members in their decisions, assure an adequate auditorium and an attentive audience. The members of a lecture committee turn constantly to God, divine Love, for guidance and inspiration, thus avoiding the pitfalls of personal sense or limiting suggestions. Christian Science teaches that man is the expression of God and manifests His wisdom and serenity. The acknowledgment of this fact removes the fear of failure and the burdens of personal responsibility from those in charge of the arrangements.
A Christian Science lecture is an activity of love, from the selection of the lecturer to the minutiae of details handled by committees. The degree to which they express Love helps to determine the behavior of the church members—their attitude toward their guests, the time of their arrival at the auditorium, the quality and quantity of metaphysical work they are willing to do for the lecture, the quietness of the mental atmosphere they create around them before the lecture begins. A lecture is an opportunity for all members to put into practice their understanding of the impersonal, universal Love which blesses all.
It is loving for the members to leave the best seats for strangers; it is loving to know that every hungry seeker for Truth and health will be satisfied and his needs met. It is loving to refrain from idle chatter and to leave behind the dry crusts of personal sense and human plans; it is loving to devote thoughts during the minutes preceding the lecture to a contemplation of Truth and to know that a Christian Science lecture is a divinely guided activity whose fruitage of blessings is assured. Such procedure means making the most of one's opportunity to love one's neighbors and to welcome them to a quiet, sacred, joyous impartation of Truth.
Mrs. Eddy states in Science and Health (p. 238), "Unimproved opportunities will rebuke us when we attempt to claim the benefits of an experience we have not made our own, try to reap the harvest we have not sown, and wish to enter unlawfully into the labors of others." Each church member will enjoy a lecture more if he approaches it with the satisfied consciousness that he has done everything within his power to improve this very special opportunity. The guests are more likely to be convinced that the lecture is a valuable contribution to the community if the members are so convinced and if they put their conviction into action. Those who are responsible for giving the lecture may well profit from Mrs. Eddy's words in "Miscellaneous Writings" (pp. 176, 177):
"Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and responsibilities? Are we prepared to meet and improve them, to act up to the acme of divine energy wherewith we are armored?
"Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes. The hour is come."
