Article May 27, 1922 Issue

Jurisdiction

PAUL A. HARSCH

The question of jurisdiction has been foremost for years in the deliberations of men concerned with the destinies of nations as well as of individuals. Who shall govern? Who shall control? And where shall the limit of the jurisdiction of each be established? Resulting from these discussions, and the frequent wars which become a part of them, mandates have been issued and territorial limits defined. As a consequence, the world works under an ever changing régime, with its attendant uncertainty. Usually the human jurisdiction is so distributed as to maintain, in theory at least, a so-called balance of power; but trifling incidents often disarrange the most carefully devised schemes. Such possibilities are understood and accepted as a quite necessary and unavoidable sequence.

The so-called human equation always enters into the affairs of mankind when these are predicated on a materialistic basis. The experience of centuries would seem to have proved this beyond doubt. Nevertheless, the present-day makers of mandates, whether these relate to men or nations, are apparently as reluctant as were their earlier prototypes to accept the all-controlling fact so tersely expressed by Mrs. Eddy, on page 379 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." in the statement that "the real jurisdiction of the world is in Mind, controlling every effect and recognizing all causation as vested in divine Mind."

Now, jurisdiction is, literally, as every one knows, the law speaking. With this definition held clearly in thought, a very helpful and perhaps different viewpoint may be obtained, from which to advance to a consideration of the questions involved in the statement just quoted. The divine law of Life, Mrs. Eddy points out, is a resuscitating law; the divine law of Truth heals the sick; the divine law of Love annihilates that which is unlike itself. Similarly, the divine law of Mind actually opens the door of human thought to an intelligent understanding and contemplation of God. Moreover, as it opens, it enlarges and cleanses. Removing the accumulated rubbish of materiality, it leaves in place thereof only health and holiness—wholeness. Furthermore, it is the law of Mind that reveals these momentous facts to every one whose quest is sincere and persistent.

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