Through all ages mankind has searched for the solution of the problem of Being. There are probably few who have not at times pondered the great question, Why? when the ills and errors of life were more than usually rife. In spite of the blighting influence of blind submission, this desire for something better, the belief in some higher power, this inherent spiritual sense of a great controlling Principle has manifested itself through all human strata. No race of human beings has been found that did not possess it in some degree.
The search has passed through the three great channels of thought—philosophy, science, religion—and the world has welcomed with more or less eagerness any new theory or departure from the old lines only to experience successive disappointments. With the expansion of material knowledge comes the unvarying accompaniment of increased sin, disease, and discord; and human research has proved utterly helpless to afford any permanent basis for improvement. Let us consider for a moment the results attained.
The summit of all ancient or modern philosophy is said to have been reached in these words of Socrates: "No harm can come to a truly good man." And this was said to mark the keystone in the arch of human wisdom. A life-long seeker for truth in its simplicity, and believing in God as a great creative Intelligence, or Mind-force for good, he stood even in the vestibule of Spirit, yet he failed to discern and understand the living fact that to one supreme Good, Infinite, Omnipotent, there could be no real power opposed. His was belief without understanding, hence his statement lacked proof. Is it not self-evident that true knowledge must be self-protecting? but philosophy does not afford this proof, else the great Athenian would not have died of poison in the midst of his enemies. Jesus said, "If they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them."
