Page:Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (1906).djvu/158

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
142
Science and Health

eradicate sickness and sin in less time than the old systems, devised for subduing them, have required for self-establishment and propagation.

Anciently the followers of Christ, or Truth, measured Christianity by its power over sickness, sin, and death; Two claims omitted but modern religions generally omit all but one of these powers, — the power over sin. We must seek the undivided garment, the whole Christ, as our first proof of Christianity, for Christ, Truth, alone can furnish us with absolute evidence.

If the soft palm, upturned to a lordly salary, and architectural skill, making dome and spire tremulous with Selfishness and loss beauty, turn the poor and the stranger from the gate, they at the same time shut the door on progress. In vain do the manger and the cross tell their story to pride and fustian. Sensuality palsies the right hand, and causes the left to let go its grasp on the divine.

As in Jesus' time, so to-day, tyranny and pride need to be whipped out of the temple, and humility and divine Temple cleansed Science to be welcomed in. The strong cords of scientific demonstration, as twisted and wielded by Jesus, are still needed to purge the temples of their vain traffic in worldly worship and to make them meet dwelling-places for the Most High.

MEDICINE

Which was first, Mind or medicine? If Mind was first and self-existent, then Mind, not matter, must have Question of precedence been the first medicine. God being All-in-all, He made medicine; but that medicine was Mind. It could not have been matter, which departs from the nature and character of Mind, God. Truth