DWELL

When reading Science and Health and the bible, we must always be elevating language and thought to its highest spiritual meanings. The word ‘dwell’ on a human plane of thought means to inhabit or abide in or to have a fixed residence. A more spiritual definition is “To keep one’s attention fixed” or in Mrs. Eddy's words "Stand porter at the door of thought (S&H 392:24)." Psalms 23:6 says “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” The effect, goodness and mercy following you, is followed by the cause, dwelling in the house of the Lord. We must consciously affirm the Allness of God continuously. At times, this will be a gentle presence, as if you were a child holding your Mother’s hand. Sometimes, it will be striving to get above an aggressive mental suggestion.

Mrs. Eddy writes “Only by losing the false sense of Soul can we gain the eternal unfolding of Life as immortality brought to light. (S&H 335:22)” This false sense of Soul is the aggressive mental claim that Life is dependent on body and that body holds the key to our survival and happiness. How do we conquer this aggressive mental suggestion that body is the dwelling place for Soul? By knowing the Truth that 'objects' are never in Mind. Only the thought or idea, which the object represents, is in consciousness. The body (effect) represents the thoughts that govern it. “Man is harmonious when governed by Soul. (S&H 273:18)” Take thought out of the body, affirm that you dwell in the consciousness of Soul and are governed by Soul, Mind.