We read in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes what seems to be the summary of the observations of the Preacher when he says (verse 13): "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Observations on wisdom, folly, and so forth had been followed by admonitions, for we read (verse 9), "He gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs." In fact, he thought the point through to the correct conclusion that serving God is the whole of man, for all judgment rests with God, good. Mary Baker Eddy interprets this reference in her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" as follows (p. 340): "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: love God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole of man in His image and likeness."
A right conclusion is the result of right reasoning, and thought derived from a spiritual beginning leads to spiritual understanding. The reasoning of the Preacher in the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes begins with the admonition, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not." The light of this admonition carried him through an analysis of the follies of mortality, false desires, and discords. Yet with a right starting point the conclusion was spiritual and complete: serving God is the full measure of man in His image and likeness.
Liberation from physical ills as well as from all discords may be gained by beginning with a correct statement of the truth found in the Bible or the writings of Mrs. Eddy, and carrying right reasoning through to a scientific conclusion. It is a process of mental sifting, wherein the chaff and error of mortal belief disappear, and the full grain of spiritual truth enlightens consciousness. Correct reasoning and revelation thus coincide.
