Under the head of error must be classed all representations of Christian Science as something to be got by the "hearing of the ear"; the word of Science is, "Now mine eye seeth Thee." In the mistaken teaching of Science, the perception of it as based on demonstration, the recognition of experience as the only sanction of Truth, is lacking. The true sense of Science cannot be gained or given to another from the standpoint of the letter.
The belief that persons who have once been in the understanding of it, have taught and practiced it, must or can still possess that understanding—that once gained it is theirs—though they have fallen out of the line of spiritual progression, is utterly mistaken. This is the doctrine of perseverance of the saints—without the persoverance; and does not agree with Paul's idea; "For as touching those who were once enlightened, and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the age to come, and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance, seeing that they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."
Science and Health too is in direct opposition to the theoretical conception of Science, and declares that "its baptism is a purification from the flesh. Our church is built on Christ, the divine Principle of the man Jesus. We can unite with this church only as we are new born of Spirit, as we reach the Life that is Truth, and the Truth that is Life,—bringing forth the fruits of Love, casting out error, and healing the sick."
