THE "SCIENCE OF SOUL."

Annie M. Knott

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?—Jesus.

There is no word of Scripture more tenaciously held to by religionists than is "soul," and none whose meaning is so much questioned by the average thinker. Until Science and Health was published the soul was supposed to be something located somewhere in the material body, its functions unknown. It was held to be conscious of both good and evil, and yet to be immortal. The writer remembers hearing two zealous church members discussing its location, the one contending that it was in the brain, the other in the heart, and their arguments were marked by anger rather than by good logic. Later, a discussion of the same subject by eminent physicians appeared in the newspapers, but no more light was thrown upon it than had come from the opinions of the deacons aforementioned. The doctors were agreed that if the soul existed in man, its location and functions would surely have been revealed by the scalpel or microscope, and as there was no material evidence of its existence, it was reasonable to conclude that it did not exist.

In striking contrast with all mere opinion on this subject is the inspired declaration of our text-book, that Soul is divine,—that "God and Soul are one, and this one never belongs to a limited mind or to a limited body" (Science and Health, p. 335). The study of this whole subject in the light of the wonderfully illuminating statements of it in Science and Health, clears away the sense of mystery with which it has seemed to be enshrouded and offers the sincere thinker a scientific working basis instead of a speculative theory. The great Teacher's statement which we have quoted shows the tremendous importance of gaining the right understanding of Soul, and then of living up to its demands. He declares in unmistakable terms that the possession of "the whole world" counts as nothing over against the Soul of man,—his divine being.

Some students of the Bible complain that it presents difficulties in the way of a clear understanding of the subject of Soul,—that many of the statements appear contradictory. The scholars tell us that there are several different words in the Hebrew and Greek which are translated "soul" in the authorized English version. Besides this, we must remember that the Science of Soul was not stated in definite terms until it was given to the world in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. Her simple rule for the use of the word "Soul," as given on page 482, lines 6 to 10, is a wonderful guide to the study of the Scriptures. Where men cry out in anguish that "their soul is melted because of trouble," it is mortal sense, not the spiritual, which is referred to.

Christian Science teaches that the true man is governed by Soul and reflects Soul. It also reveals the great importance to all mankind of a right understanding of this subject. Our revered Leader shows clearly, on pages 122 and 123 of Science and Health, that the correction of popular error respecting Soul and body is of the most vital import to all mankind, and that Jesus' marvelous demonstrations over sin, disease, and death were based upon the Science of Soul. As we learn in Christian Science that God is the Soul of man, the harmony and immortality of being become more and more apparent. Health and happiness are no longer believed to be at the mercy of chance and change, but are seen to be governed by immutable divine Principle. So, also, is every event in man's career!

To the loyal Christian Scientist Soul has priority in all things; for "what shall it profit a man" to seek material gain or pleasure, and so "lose," even temporarily, his sense of Soul, with its divine peace and power, its abundance of all good things? No, not even "the whole world" could compensate for this loss! Our Leader's great discovery of the Science of Soul is fulfilling the hope expressed in an old hymn:—

Our souls. [spiritual sense], we know, when He appears,
Shall bear His image bright;
For all His glory full disclosed
Shall open to our sight.

Annie M. Knott.

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August 17, 1907

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