IN "The Pilgrim's Progress," Christian, when in the House of the Interpreter, saw "a Fire burning against a Wall, and one [the Devil] standing by it always, casting much Water upon it to quench it." At the back of the wall stood the Christ "with a Vessel of Oil in his hand, of the which he did also continually cast, but secretly, into the fire;" and it was impossible for the evil one to comprehend the reason why the fire continually burned higher and hotter.
Materialism cannot comprehend the source of sustained spiritual life. The invincible meaning of the true idea of God is not revealed to error, because the nature of error is such that it can entertain no other belief than that of its own ephemeral existence, as comprised in material strength and mental subtlety. Being devoid of basic Principle, it is impossible for erroneous belief to perceive the strength, vitality, and continuity of eternal Life as comprised in Spirit.
The true idea of God is "hid with Christ in God," that "secret place of the most High,"—hidden not from the true seeker, but from the adversary. Error cannot injure Truth or Truth's idea, because error cannot comprehend Truth. If error for one moment comprehended the meaning of Truth, it would no longer be error. Spiritual love is the essential nature of man. So long, therefore, as men possess understanding sufficient to reflect love; so long as divine Love is their lawgiver; so long as their consciousness is filled with love, just so long are they protected from evil, and the lack of love in others for them will not harm them. Hate and enmity do not reach the one who loves both God and his fellow-man; nor can they ever penetrate the secret dwelling place of the Most High. Strength abides in spiritual understanding.
