PREFACE.
For years I have been acquainted with Christian Science. It was, however, by accident that I discovered its source. Without intending to do so, I ran upon the very hatchery of it. Several years ago I formed the purpose of pointing out the Neoplatonic elements in the philosophy of Spinoza. In doing this I was compelled to study thoroughly both Spinoza and the Neoplatonists. Upon getting some accurate knowledge of their systems of philosophy I saw that Christian Science has much in common with them.
I then formed the purpose, so soon as that task was completed, of showing the dependence of Mrs. Eddy on the Neoplatonists. Without a suggestion from me, a friend who read the manuscript observed the kinship between Neoplatonism as therein presented and Christian Science, and encouraged me to do this work also. As I pursued it my surprise constantly increased, as I discovered more and more the identity of the multitudinous ideas of the two systems. It can be truthfully said that Christian Science is little more than Neoplatonism translated into English and adapted to our theological vocabulary.
The two tasks, the second of which would not have been possible without the first, have required much patient labor, and have been accomplished in the midst of many other duties and distracting cares, but not in haste. The work has, I think, been accurately done.
There is another reason why I have written this book. Christian Science embodies much of the subtlest infidelity of our time, such as is found in Unitarianism, Universalism, New Thought and Higher Criticism of the destructive type. It is proper that we give some attention to the breeding place
