I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me [understand me] through their word.”
Metaphors abound in the Bible, and names are often expressive of spiritual ideas. The most distinguished theologians in Europe and America (among whom may be counted Dean Stanley, Dr. J. B. Lightfoot, Prof. D. W. Marks) agree that the Scriptures have both a spiritual and literal significance. In Smith's Bible Dictionary it is said: “The spiritual interpretation of Scripture must rest upon both the literal and moral;” and the following text is quoted from the original: “Jehovah said, My Spirit shall not forever rule (or be humbled) in men, seeing that they are [or, in their error they are] but flesh.” The spiritual fact of being, even man's eternal and harmonious existence as idea instead of matter, (however transcendental appears such a thought,) was not forever to be humbled by the belief that man is flesh and matter, for in that error he is mortal.
The Divine Science taught in the original language of the Bible came through inspiration, and needs inspiration to be understood. Hence the misapprehension of its spiritual meaning, and the misstatement of the Word, in some instances, by uninspired writers, who were but transcribing what an inspired teacher had said. A misplaced word might change the sense and misstate the Science of the Scriptures: as, for instance, to say “the Love of God,” instead of “God is love;” or to say “the Truth of God,” when it is meant that God is Truth; or to refer to the Life of God, when Jesus plainly declared, “I am the Resurrection and the Life.” The way is strait and narrow that leads to the understanding that God is Life. It is a warfare with the
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