Article December 27, 1913 Issue

Head and Heart

RICHARD P. VERRALL

In ancient metaphorical language, especially in the Scriptures, the heart and not the head seems to have been regarded as the seat of thoughts and motives; hence we read in the Bible, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things." Nowhere in the Bible is the head referred to in connection with right thinking, although it is frequently used as an equivalent for false belief. In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul predicts perilous times that shall come when "men shall be lovers of their own selves, . . . without natural affection, . . . heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God." Modern physiology has reversed the relative duties of the head and the heart and now locates the intellectual activities in the head, while to the heart is assigned a purely mechanical function. In their present-day metaphorical use the head is thought of as the seat of the intellectual faculties, the heart, the seat of the affections and emotions.

According to Christian Science, in which all things are interpreted spiritually, religion is shown to be "of the heart and not of the head" (Science and Health, p. 140). Truth and love must therefore become deep-seated feelings of the inner man, and not merely beliefs or formulas for outer observance. The Scriptures are replete with urgent appeals to mankind to put away the "wicked imaginations" of the heart and to possess "an understanding heart." Jesus pronounced a benediction upon the spiritually minded or "pure in heart," and declared in plain language that "they shall see God." In view of this promise, the purification of the heart must naturally become the chief end and aim of all true Christians. It involves a complete reformation of the habits of the human mind and calls for a systematic practise of right thinking and living.

In order that the heart may be thoroughly cleansed of the manifold impurities of mortal belief, it is necessary designed to have a Principle and rule by which to distinguish between good and evil. Recognizing this fundamental need, and actuated by a great love for mankind, Mrs. Eddy labored for a lifetime to establish on earth a system of scientific religion designed to fulfil the twofold purpose of healing and teaching.

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