Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures.djvu/409

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
REPLY TO A CRITIC.
397

Will my judge decide on the relative value of two theories: one that heals; and the other, which denies the first, but cannot heal?

That my statements are “absolutely false, and the most egregious fallacies ever offered for acceptance,” is but my critic's opinion, wholly owing to his misunderstanding both of the Principle and practice of Christian Science, and his consequent inability to demonstrate that Science. Without this understanding, no one is capable of impartial or correct criticism; because demonstration and understanding are God's harmonious and immortal keynotes, proven to be such by the sick who are cured and by sinners who are enlightened.

Strangely enough, we ask for material evidence in support of spiritual existence; when these realms are so antagonistic that the material must disappear before the spiritual can be attained. This material existence affords no evidence of spiritual existence and immortality. Sin, sickness, and death do not prove man's entity or immortality. Discord can never establish the facts of harmony. Matter is not the vestibule of Spirit.

Jesus reasoned on this subject practically, and controlled sickness, sin, and death from the basis of his argument. Understanding the nothingness of material things, he spoke of flesh and Spirit as the two opposites, — as Truth and error, not contributing in any way to each other's happiness and existence. He said: “The same fountain sendeth not forth sweet and bitter water,” and, “You cannot gather grapes of thorns.” Even Paul asked, “What fellowship hath Christ with Belial?”

My censor would have an eternal copartnership between error and Truth. Will he admit that God is