Article May 8, 1926 Issue

Substance

DELLA M. WHITNEY

In Hebrews we read, "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." A dictionary definition of substance is, "That which underlies all outward manifestations." Faith, then, or spiritual understanding, may be defined as that which underlies or bases "things hoped for." In the definition of "substance" given on page 468 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy says, "Truth, Life, and Love are substance."

One of the natural results of being obedient to one's understanding of Truth, Life, and Love is supply for human needs. In Luke's Gospel we read, "Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things." The gaining of real substance is not the laying up of material treasures, but is the accumulation of spiritualized thoughts. Upon this asset, which is infinite since divine Mind is infinite, one may draw with absolute certainty.

Dominion over all forms of limitation may be gained by each and every one who will work in strict accordance with Scriptural teaching. We learn in Christian Science that the demonstration of supply for human needs is not something to be miraculously attained, but is a divinely spontaneous operation. We can reap only of what we have sown. If that which we are reaping is not plentiful and harmonious, the weakness lies not in the reaping, but in the sowing; and we must remember that a harvest of figs cannot be obtained from a planting of thistles. If our field of thought has first been enriched with purity, unselfishness, gratitude, and love, and has been planted with righteousness and consecration, then we may be sure that the harvest will be bounteous and that we shall have enough and to spare.

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