Article September 18, 1920 Issue

"Where is the place of understanding?"

FLORENCE A. BOYD

When one begins to realize that the word substance means infinitely more than has ever been defined in the lexicons of mortal mind, that its significance must be fathomed in order to find its full valuation, and that the comprehension of it brings continuous blessings; then the inquirer turns gladly to that inspired book that is given to the world, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, to study its deep import; for the illusive and perishable manifestation of what is supposed to be substance as seen by humanity to-day offers small satisfaction to those who seem to know mostly of its lack. To such, and in fact to all, this book explains substance and the means of acquiring so valuable a treasure. On page 468 is found a concise definition of the word: "Substance is that which is eternal and incapable of discord and decay." This explanation is so different from that which even professors of political economy could give with all their erudition, that study must begin on a new course in order to apprehend it.

The argument may perhaps present itself that this is a spiritual and Scriptural description but wholly impracticable for everyday necessities; but such reasoning cannot hold in face of facts. The world is weary of opinions; it cries out for proofs, and that without waste of words. To the general trend of thought, substance is greatly to be desired, for it represents, according to its quantity, both comfort and prosperity; but many also believe that it is confined to the favored few upon whom fortune has smiled. Our highest teacher and demonstrator of an applicable, operative law, Christ Jesus, gauged these two qualities by a totally different measurement, albeit his life work proved that he had solved the secret of supply as he had likewise interpreted the whole mystery of life. By many and clearly defined parables he explained to his disciples where and how their quest should be directed, and his "mighty works" gave indisputable proof that his understanding was infinitely beyond that of any earthly instructor. This substance of which he spoke and which he could use on the instant of his need was spiritual, it is true, and for that very reason it was not speculative nor chimerical. His public undoubtedly felt, as do many of the present day, that the abundance and contentment of which poets have sung and philosophers have dreamed were so utterly transcendental that they could only be enjoyed by those who, having reached a certain attitude of self-forgetfulness, could be able to satisfy their better nature by prophecies which even they knew could not imply present realization. As for the struggle of the great mass of mankind through all ages for this attainment, the results have appeared more often in disappointment than success.

Christ Jesus, who was not a dreamer, a Stoic, nor a materialist, used on one occasion the simile of a treasure hid in a field, to teach a lesson of the kingdom of heaven or substance, which, he said, "when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." He urged upon his hearers who had ears to hear, that to abandon their previous method of strain and competition and human will and to turn unreservedly to the divine Mind for counsel would be of immediate value to them, and that earnestly and continuously to prove this Mind as omnipresent demonstrates substance of the most genuine and enduring description.

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