OLD THEOLOGY. CHAPTER I. LIFE THE CAUSE OF ALL ACTION. BEFORE passing judgment on this work it should be very carefully read and studied. Theology is a subject that is much written upon, and over which there has been, and is, at the present time much discussion. In using the word "Theology" we take it in its strict and true sense, which is the knowledge or understanding of God, in other words, the science of God. This understanding, which we shall endeavor to present to you in its application to the healing of the sick, is as separate from all beliefs and opinions of mankind, as is the science of mathematics apart from all other branches of learning. Theology does not interfere in the least with the opinions of philosophers and doctors; it simply extends beyond these in being a demonstrable truth regarding which, and in which, there can be no contradiction. Entertaining and expressing an opinion concerning mathematics is one thing, studying and demonstrating it, is quite another. What we call religion, is the opinions and beliefs by which we express our ideas of that immortal Truth which Jesus taught and demonstrated to the world: while studying into that Truth, and proving it by the works (destroying sin sickness and death) which our teacher said should follow all who believed (understood), is quite another thing, and is not religion, but Christianity, the "True Church" unto which the epistles from the apostles were addressed. Modern philosophy is so generally ac cepted, and has gained such a footing in the minds of the people, that it will be difficult for some to realize that it is not truth, 3 but simply opinions or beliefs which have no solid foundation, but derive all their substance and existence from the evidence of matter and materiality alone. Perhaps, before advancing any new thoughts, I can best show what a truth is, by showing some of the inconsistencies in statements made on the basis of what we have been taught to regard as science and truth. Materia medica teaches that mercury cures, also that mercury kills; that ipecac causes vomiting, and that an overdose checks it, etc.; these are contradictions in themselves. A rule that can be contradicted is not demonstrable, and therefore not truth. If one and one made two only occasionally, and at other times made three or more, it would be no fact or rule, because not demonstrable, and no dependence could be placed upon it. If from a science (truth) it is found that mercury cures, it would be found that the more of that so-called neces |