The Glossary to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" is an indispensable aid to students of Christian Science. Through acquaintance with the definitions therein given, one begins to appreciate Mrs. Eddy's unique method of arriving at conclusions through reliance upon spiritual interpretation alone. As soon as one comprehends in the least degree the necessity for studying Christian Science from the basis of spiritually scientific deductions only, from the viewpoint of the reality of spiritual ideas and the consequent unreality of material beliefs, one sees at once the immense benefit to be derived from careful study of the Glossary, and its intelligent use in connection with the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings. This is especially noticeable in our daily endeavor to gain the spiritual interpretation of the Lesson-Sermons. As Christian Scientists we require proficiency in translating the language of mortal belief, its material modes of expression, back into its spiritual original, the new tongue spoken of in the gospels.
Take, for instance, the definition of "wind," found on page 597 of Science and Health: "Wind. That which indicates the might of omnipotence and the movements of God's spiritual government, encompassing all things. Destruction; anger; mortal passions." Explaining further Mrs. Eddy says (p. 598): "The Greek word for wind (pneuma) is used also for spirit, as in the passage in John's Gospel, the third chapter, where we read: 'The wind [pneuma] bloweth where it listeth. ... So is every one that is born of the Spirit [pneuma].'" Adopting this explanation as a basis, we can study with great profit passages in the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings where the word "wind" is used.
The prophet Hosea, dauntless denouncer of sensual or material living, points to the inevitable punishment of idolatry, or disobedience to Principle, when he says, "For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind." Here the word is used in its material sense, defined by Mrs. Eddy as "Destruction; anger; mortal passions." The stormy, turbulent nature of wind, its fury and frightfulness expressed in hurricane and blizzard, its harmful aspects, are brought to mind. Those who indulge in anger or destructive thinking will surely experience outward conditions corresponding to the confusion and turmoil within their own hearts. These seeming manifestations have not one quality of truth in them. The antidote for error is Truth, and we always know that the immutable law of Spirit is ever available, enabling us to reverse the discords of error through correct thinking. Those who sow the truth reap the harvest of good.
