Were we to announce that every system which acknowledges mind and matter, as a basis, is more or less tinctured with idolatry, it would indeed be a startling announcement, yet in the face of this we desire to establish the truthfulness of such a charge from a Scriptural standpoint, including the divine philosophy of Jesus and Paul.
The Bible supports such a proposition, and the author of Science and Health teaches that we take the Scripture for our guide to eternal Life. Every honest Christian Scientist is ready to admit that this book (Science and Health) has so illuminated the sacred pages of Scripture as to make it possible to interpret the Bible in the new tongue, which underlies and overlies all pure and undefiled religion. The religion that binds the strong man of error, and thereby heals the sick, sorrowing, and brokenhearted, and sets free the captive of sin, breaks the fetters of mortality, and destroys our idolatrous inclinations.
We contemplate with awe and abhorrence, the ancient narratives of Israel. How strange it seems that they should continually have gone after strange gods, under the immediate leadings of the inspired prophet, seer and Hebrew law-giver, yet we forget, that we who have named the name of Christ in its higher and more ennobling significance, are often guilty of the same offense against God, the Omnipotent One! Oh! let us humble ourselves mightily before God, and forsake our idolatrous ways, made manifest in such fruits as the apostle Paul refers to (Col. 3: 5). Here can be seen in the most emphatic sense what constitutes an idolater. The ignorance of it often subjects us to its abuse. How often have we heard it said of Christian Science, "I do not understand why the demonstrations in Christian Science now are not as marvelous and satisfactory as in the beginning of my work." With some the signs have waned altogether. Then follow the excuses,—that not all can be healers, but some are teachers, and some interpreters, etc., but the great Teacher, Jesus Christ, has said. "These signs shall follow them that believe"; and His words shall not pass away. Are we indeed so darkened that we cannot discern the suppositional cause? If so, let us remember the admonition of the author of Science and Health, that the Christian only can demonstrate Christian Science." Let this be our first thought, then turn to Col. 3: 5 and read: "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, covetousness, etc., which is idolatry."
