tence of one personal devil. Again,
our text refers to the devil as dumb; but the original
devil was a great talker, and was supposed to have out-
talked even Truth, and carried the question with Eve. [25]
Also, the original texts define him as an "accuser," a
"calumniator," which would be impossible if he were
speechless. These two opposite characters ascribed to
him could only be possible as evil beliefs, as different
phases of sin or disease made manifest. [30]

Let us obey St. Paul's injunction to reject fables, and
accept the Scriptures in their broader, more spiritual

[Page 192.]

and practical sense. When we speak of a good man, we [1]
do not mean that man is God because the Hebrew term
for Deity was "good," and _vice versa_; so, when referring
to a liar, we mean not that he is a personal devil, because
the original text defines devil as a "liar." [5]

It is of infinite importance to man's spiritual progress,
and to his demonstration of Truth in casting out error,
--sickness, sin, disease, and death, in all their forms,--
that the terms and nature of Deity and devil be understood.

_He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and_
_greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father._--
JOHN xiv. 12.

Such are the words of him who spake divinely, well
knowing the omnipotence of Truth. The Hebrew bard
saith, "His name shall endure forever: His name shall [15]
be continued as long as the sun." Luminous with the
light of divine Science, his words reveal the great Principle
of a full salvation. Neither can we question the practi-
cability of the divine Word, who have learned its adapta-
bility to human needs, and man's ability to prove the [20]
truth of prophecy.

The fulfilment of the grand verities of Christian healing
belongs to every period; as the above Scripture plainly
declares, and as primitive Christianity confirms. Also,
the last chapter of Mark is emphatic on this subject; [25]
making healing a condition of salvation, that extends to
all ages and throughout all Christendom. Nothing can
be more conclusive than this: "And these signs shall
follow them that believe; ... they shall lay hands on
the sick, and they shall recover." This declaration of [30]
our Master settles the question; else we are entertaining

[Page 193.]

the startling inquiries, Are the Scriptures inspired? Are [1]
they true? Did Jesus mean what he said?

If this be the cavil, we reply in