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456 ye be condemned for failing to take the first step yourself.

Any attempt to heal mortality with erring mortal mind, instead of resting on the omnipotence of immortal

Mind, must prove abortive. Committing the process of Mind-healing to frail mortals, untaught and unrestrained by Science, is like putting a sharp knife into the hands of a blind man or a raging maniac, and turning him loose in the crowded streets of a city. Whether animated by malice or ignorance, such a practitioner will work mischief, — and ignorance is ofttimes more harmful than wilful wickedness, because the latter is distrusted, and thwarted in its incipiency.

The Science is abstract, but the process is simple, and the results are sure if the Science is understood. The

tree must be good, which produces good fruit. Guided by divine Truth, and not guesswork, the Theologus (that is, the student — the Christian and Scientific expounder — of the divine law) treats disease with more certain results than any other healer on the globe. The Christian Scientist should understand and adhere strictly to the rules of metaphysics, as laid down in this work, and rest his demonstration on its sure basis.

Ontology is defined as “the science of the necessary constituents and relations of all beings,” and it underlies

all metaphysical practice. Our system of Mind-healing rests on the apprehension of the nature and essence of all Being, — on Mind, and its essential qualities. Its pharmacy is moral, and its medicine is intellectual and spiritual, though used for physical healing; yet this most fundamental part of