HISTORY prominently records the struggles of men and nations to secure and maintain independence, and it is interesting to note that the opinions as to what constitutes this treasured freedom are almost as numerous as have been the sanguinary conflicts arising therefrom.
Usually associated with government, the statement that independence is measured by the extent of individual liberty assured without infringing on the rights of others, probably most nearly expresses the general understanding. Although many have faithfully endeavored to put such an ideal of government into actual practise, few have undertaken to show that the real solution lies in the higher sense of individual, national, and international freedom so completely and beautifully illuminated in the Bible record, and that independence does not rest in manmade laws and customs, but in the demonstrable knowledge of the living God which frees from ignorance and false belief.
Obviously, knowledge of God is to be secured only through the study of God and His "infinite manifestation" (Science and Health, p. 468), and the word demonstrable is a qualifying term indicating the presence of proof of the correctness of the conclusions. Careful consideration of recorded events shows conclusively that the absence of a demonstrable knowledge of God has been attended by uncertainty and a consequent condition of voluntary or involuntary stifling of independent thought in the limited effort to locate an infinite cause. Out of this struggle and attendant confusion materia medica and false theology have sprung.
