Investigation and candor are handmaidens of Justice. To be searched and understood, is the only chance for a true Theism. The deeper the research the more perfection will be revealed of that which rests on a divine Principle. In centuries past, did Philosophy solve the mystery of God, and the universe, and man? Thought has had able pioneers. Such gigantic intellects as Thales, Pythagoras, Diogenes, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, forming schools and gathering followers, devoted their lives to the vital problem, then passed away from the face of the earth, lost in the labyrinth of their own wise theories, vague conclusions and unfinished work.
Has modern Philosophy added aught but further wanderings in the same arid desert of doubt and bewilderment? Nay, "Christian Philosophy is a Misnomer," and it is with no hesitation that we declare Christianity to be unattainable and unexplainable through Philosophy. To quote from a well-known author, "Christian Philosophy means Christian Metaphysics, and that means the solution of metaphysical problems upon Christian principles, and Christian principles are doctrines revealed through Christ, revealed because inaccessible to reason. After the futile attempts of Philosophy to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, reason had well-nigh driven man into atheism and skepticism, then Theology took the key of the universe into its own hands, and Christianity appeared, to bless, and comfort, and enlighten the world. When Faith became the prominent factor in the problem, there was hope for the redemption of the race, and there was found a certain way out of the maze of doubt, concerning which argument and evil should cease. Over eighteen hundred years ago the way was revealed, explained, demonstrated. Why, then, has it not lead to harmony and unity of thought, and conformity of action? Theology to-day has as diversified explanations as Philosophy has had. Atheists, infidels, go side by side with "God-intoxicated" men. Doctrines, creeds and factions have multiplied. The greater has consumed the less, and in its turn been consumed by another. Religion has feared Science as its worst enemy; but in this nineteenth century, at last, the light is breaking in upon the great truth that Philosophy needs Theology, and both need Science to perfect the circle.
Man refuses to be satisfied with speculation, and cannot abide steadfast with simple faith. Again the key is in the hands of a new warden, and Science must interpret Christianity. She must take the throne before the senses and hold it; she must unveil the mystery of Creation, of Life, of Immortality, and she must do it with proofs. The world demands demonstration. Every cause shall be tried by the white light of Truth. Understanding, absolute knowledge, beneficent, exalting and capable of proof because based upon Principle, is the rock upon which the future church shall stand—God understood, God practised and proved—and this is the realm where Science, and Science alone can enter. True to her fundamental statement, that the scientific fact is that of which personal sense takes no cognizance other than to deny, she stands to-day, as ever, beyond the touch or taint of the errors of the past, watching the pigmy procession as it searches for God and man through the shadow, fable and allegory of matter, waiting for the end of the Tree of knowledge, proclaiming these words which have rung down the curtains to deaf ears: "Oh, fools and blind! know ye not that God has hid these things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them unto babes." "What, then, is Christian Science?" The understanding and a demonstration of God.
