Article December 15, 1928 Issue

Metaphysical Interpretation of Oil

MATTIE MARVIN PETTIT

Students of the Bible acknowledge that sacred Book as the guide of Life eternal. Mrs. Eddy says in the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 241), "Take away the spiritual signification of the Scripture, and that compilation can do no more for mortals than can moonbeams to melt a river of ice." To-day, as the result of her righteous desire and consecrated study, a pure spiritual interpretation of the Bible has unfolded to human consciousness which has enabled thousands to find the study of the Bible, together with the Christian Science textbook, both interesting and helpful, satisfying the desire for holy things. Not until this book furnished the "key" did men turn the sacred pages of Scripture with understanding and confidence, truly obedient to the Scriptural admonition, "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace."

How often has the student of Christian Science, in his study of a Bible verse or sentence, found that the spiritual interpretation of one word has enabled him to grasp the meaning of the text from an entirely different viewpoint, and to find the message applicable to his own problem! In the first paragraph of the Glossary to Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 579): "In Christian Science we learn that the substitution of the spiritual for the material definition of a Scriptural word often elucidates the meaning of the inspired writer. On this account this chapter is added. It contains the metaphysical interpretation of Bible terms, giving their spiritual sense, which is also their original meaning."

The word "oil" is defined in this chapter (p. 592) as "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." We have become accustomed to think of oil as merely a material product which men have utilized to advantage, and which serves us in many useful ways. In Biblical times anointing with oil was a sign of hospitality and courtesy. When reading the Scriptures and substituting the above definition for the word "oil," gains a higher spiritual vision, and thought is lifted above materiality.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Vigilance
December 15, 1928
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit