OF the many illuminating passages in the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, none is more profoundly significant than the statement that "mortal existence is a state of self-deception and not the truth of being" (p. 4.03). The length to which the process of deception extends is indeed little suspected until uncovered by the practical workings of Christian Science.
From the view-point of the waking state it is easy to detect the fictitious character of dream impressions. Even in dreamland, it would seem, there are different stages of self-deception; for the dreamer sometimes believes that he has just wakened from a dream, the experiences of which he recognizes by contrast as unreal. So also in the hypnotic trance, the pseudo-individual believes himself rational while acting the part of a fool. Now Christian Science impels the inquiry, Who is the dreamer? Does he possess individuality or identity? Is he anything more than an illusory sense, a myth? Further, what warrant is there for assuming that the waking stage of material sense existence, even though its categories be more coherently defined than those of the dream or trance, measures up to the standard of real being?
It is the recognition of a definite standard of rationality that makes the experiences of self-consciousness seem real as contrasted with those of dreamland. A lapse from this standard results in hallucinations, hysteria, insanity, or some other form of derangement. The irrationality of states like these is beyond dispute. But it is a pertinent question to ask how far material sense at its best can be considered thoroughly rational. Standards of rationality vary with changing circumstances. It frequently turns out that the sober judgment of today stamps as eminently rational, views which were once regarded as erratic in the extreme.
