Page:Valid Objections to So-called Christian Science (1902).pdf/48

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the historical continuity of the Church; subverts the creeds, does away with the sacraments, and undermines the whole value and authority of the scriptural narrative, which rests upon the testimony of the apostles and the Church. Again, by teaching individuals, "that man cannot depart from holiness," and "when he sins he must assert that there is no such thing as sin"—these words are quoted from "Science and Health"—it is barring the way of all moral progress; for it is only by recognizing present shortcomings, defects and needs that a better state of morals is obtained in the future. The recognition of evil in the world, or in the individual, is the spur that stimulates to the overcoming of it. Jesus Christ said: "Repent first, then follow me." "Recognize your sin and strive to be rid of it."

For the man who is entirely satisfied with himself and his condition, there is absolutely no hope of moral improvement. The effect of Christian Science on morals in general is, therefore, pernicious. But one of its most marked stimuli for evil, in particular, is in its influence upon children and the young, by teaching them as early as possible to deny and doubt the evidence of the