n many respects metaphysics is pure mathematics, and vice
versa. X is the unknown quantity (unknown god whom ye ignorantly
worship) which is sought and looked for by every earnest student.
It remains unknown until the principle is properly applied and we
perceive it as the very power which is doing the seeking.
A beginner in mathematics spends a large portion of his time
looking for the answer, but when he goes further into the subject
he is interested in understanding and applying the principle. He
gradually learns that the answer is the natural and logical
sequence of the proper application of the principle.
A beginner in metaphysics seeks the Kingdom of Heaven by
trying to get things or the answers to his problems; yet the
statement of the principle is, "Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven
and the things shall be added." That is, seek to understand and
know the principle, and the answer will follow quite naturally.
In metaphysics as in mathematics the signs (or answers)
follow (not precede) them that believe (are firm).
Talking about the principle of mathematics will never work
out a problem, any more than talking about Truth will bring out
harmony. A page of problems may lie next to a perfectly stated
principle for thousands of years and nothing happen. Talking
about the Truth in the most beautiful and correct form does not
obtain results.
"What is the Truth?" (what is the unknown quantity
represented by X?) has been asked all down the centuries, and yet
the answer is stated simply by the Master, "I am the Truth."
When a man has principal in the bank, the interest accrues
automatically. He puts forth no effort to make the interest.
When a man has a consciousness of Principle as everywhere evenly
present, he accrues the interest in the form of that thing which
will constantly solve the so-called problems of life.
In mathematics before you begin to work out a problem, you
recognize one thing, and that is that the answer or solution
already is. It exists before you even start to apply the
principle to the problem a hand. The same thing is true of
metaphysics: "Before they call I will answer, and while they are
yet speaking I will give it unto them." The answer to your
problem or prayer already is before you even attempt to work it
out.
It gives one courage to understand that there is no such
thing as an unanswered problem in the universe, and it causes one
to turn to the Master who eternally started with the premise, "It
is done." Jesus recognized that every problem was solved before
the request was spoken. He wasted no time in begging and
beseeching the Principle to work out anything. He started with
the premise, "It is done." The more conversant we are with the
principle of mathematics the quicker we are in approximating the
answer. The more we recognize the oneness of God, the quicker we
see him manifest.
Everything that ever was or will be is at this moment. When
Michael Angelo saw the angel in the block of marble, he conceived
it as perfect, complete, and finished; and having this concept,
the labour or expression of bringing the un-manifest into the
manifest was simple, direct, and joyous.
If a room is in a state of chaos, before it can be set in
order it must first be conceived as being in perfect order in
mind. At that instant it is done, and the matter of setting it
in order on the outer plane is merely the action of mind
expressing itself through you.
A child labours with a simple problem. You are aware of the
perfect solution, while the child is still labouring with the
delusion that he has to get the answer. The same thing is true
in metaphysics. Jesus stood in the same position to humanity
that you stand to the child. He saw the solution instantly,
while humanity struggled with its problems.
You may continue for ever to deny statements made regarding
a mathematical problem. You could consume a lifetime telling
what two times two are not, and arrive at no conclusion. There
is only one thing which can be said regarding the equation, and
that is what has eternally been true about it. The same thing
can be said of man, and that is the all-inclusive statement that
he is perfect now. Why is he perfect? Because he is the Son of
God --- now. And could the Son of a perfect Power manifest
imperfection now? And if he cannot manifest it now, can he ever
manifest it, since it is always the everlasting now?
"Thou shalt have no other Gods (principle) before me," is a
mathematical law as well as a spiritual command. You can get
results no other way, except by the exact application of the
principle. The more you are aware of Principle as eternally
existing the easier will the circumstance which calls itself a
problem be answered.
In the process of subtraction we are told at the beginning
to take the lesser from the greater number, but later on we find
that we take the greater from the lesser in order to bring out
the harmony, or answer, to the so-called problem. In metaphysics
at first we start with seeking things, but presently we reverse
this process and seek first principle and therein find everything
solved.
The rules of Mathematics are hard and fast. The same is
true of metaphysics. Not one jot or tittle shall be removed
until the law is fulfilled. So it is with mathematics. Almost
using the principle correctly does not get results, though it may
approach them.
Beseeching mathematics or God to work out problems which are
already solved will not help. Praising the principle of
mathematics will not help. Intelligent co-operation with it is
necessary, just as Jesus expressed it when he said, "I can of
mine own self do nothing, but with God all things are possible."
To become one with Principle is to go the foundation of it.
As well imagine that the principle of mathematics is going
to set aside an unbreakable law and give you the answer to your
problem as to imagine you can break the law of God. "God is not
mocked," neither is the principle of mathematics. You get
exactly what you put into it.
One of the most interesting problems of the Bible is that of
Job. He had nothing, but the answer to the problem was "His
captivity was turned and he had twice as much as he had before."
What is it that could bring out this solution? You have the
problem and the answer stated, but what was the actual principle
that was used to bring it into manifestation?
A child will cry over its problems, but a more advanced
mathematician deletes the self-pity idea, realizing the utter
futility of it. A good metaphysician will have done with this
useless baggage: he will waste no time pitying himself.
When you have arrived at the answer to your problem in
mathematics you throw away all the labour and work, and think no
more of it. The answer neutralized the vacuum you thought
existed, and this being done, you are through. The same thing
applies to metaphysics. When you bring into manifestation the
solution to the nothingness called problem, if you are wise you
will not rehearse or go over the details of the difficulties
overcome.
The principle of mathematics is impartial and impersonal ---
so is God. Telling the principle of mathematics that you have
worked, laboured, and suffered in its cause, does not cause it to
do more than it has already done, which is to supply the perfect
answer to every problem. God cannot do more than all, and he has
said through the Way-shower, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand";
or in other words, "there is no problem." How could there be a
problem in heaven?
"Come unto me all ye that labour and I will give you rest."
Come to the understanding and you have rest from the struggle in
both mathematics and metaphysics. Also you come into the rich
heritage. "To him that hath (understanding of the principle)
shall be given" (the power to quickly recognize the answer as
eternally existing), both in mathematics and metaphysics.
Seek first the kingdom (principle) and the things shall be
added.
"Use not vain repetition." Merely going over formulae will
do nothing. "Ye seek me for the loaves and fishes" when you are
always seeking for the answer to the problems, caring nothing for
the principle.
To work out a problem for a child has its advantages at
certain stages, but only gives temporary relief. If he is shown
the principle, he can bring out results of harmony which will be
permanent. He can cease his dependence on persons and go to the
Source of all.
The advanced mathematician looking over the shoulder of the
child sees the solution, almost as the child is setting the
problem on paper; so it is which the Christ-consciousness --- it
knows the solution to every problem, because all problems are
beliefs, and in reality exist only in the mind of the person.
When we become one with the Father and let the Christ Mind be in
us, we are raised to the level of having "eyes that see."
Thomas must have his sign, but Peter understands without the
sign and receives the rich blessing of understanding.