Article April 28, 1945 Issue

What Does Substance Mean to You?

ETHEL DANIELS HUBBARD

A Sunday School class of girls was discussing the meaning of "substance," which was their lesson subject for the day. They admitted that they did not often use the word in everyday speech, and thought that its meaning in Christian Science was hazy.

A piano stood near the class. Using it as an illustration, the teacher asked: "Which is humanly the more important and substantial, the wood, the ivory, the metal which constitute the piano, or the great music which is played on it—the Bach. Mozart, Beethoven?" Instantly the girls replied: "Why, the music, of course. What good would the piano be without it?"

The teacher then turned to a copy of the Bible, inquiring: "Which is substantial, the leather, the paper, the ink which comprise this volume, or the Ten Commandments, the twenty-third Psalm, the Sermon on the Mount —the great truths recorded therein?" Without hesitation the girls replied, "The truths, of course." Whereupon one girl made a discovery: "Why, spiritual substance is expressed in true ideas, isn't it?" Then the teacher gave thanks, realizing that they had found the trail that would lead to the deep significance of substance which Christian Science reveals.

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
Headlines
April 28, 1945
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit