There are lesser arguments which prove matter to be identical with mortal
mind, and this mind a lie.
The physical senses (matter really having no sense) give the only pretended
testimony there can be as to the existence of a substance called _matter_.
Now these senses, being material, can only testify from their own evidence,
and concerning themselves; yet we have it on divine authority: "If I bear
witness of myself, my witness is not true." (John v. 31.)
In other words: matter testifies of itself, "I am matter;" but unless
matter is mind, it cannot talk or testify; and if it is mind, it is
certainly not the Mind of Christ, not the Mind that is identical with
Truth.
Brain, thus assuming to testify, is only matter within the skull, and is
believed to be mind only through error and delusion. Examine that form of
matter called _brains_, and you find no mind therein. Hence the logical
sequence, that there is in reality neither matter nor mortal mind, but that
the self-testimony of the physical senses is false.
Examine these witnesses for error, or falsity, and observe the foundations
of their testimony, and you will find them divided in evidence, mocking the
Scripture (Matthew xviii. 16), "In the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word may be established."
_Sight._ Mortal mind declares that matter sees through the organizations of
matter, or that mind sees by means of matter. Disorganize the so-called
material structure, and then mortal mind says, "I cannot see;" and declares
that matter is the master of mind, and that non-intelligence governs.
Mortal mind admits that it sees only material images, pictured on the eye's
retina.
What then is the line of the syllogism? It must be this: That matter is not
seen; that mortal mind cannot see without matter; and therefore that the
whole function of material sight is an illusion, a lie.
Here comes in the summary of the whole matter, wherewith we started: that
God is All, and God is Spirit; therefore there is nothing but Spirit; and
consequently there is no matter.
_Touch_. Take another train of reasoning. Mortal mind says that matter
cannot feel matter; yet put your finger on a burning coal, and the nerves,
material nerves, _do_ feel matter.
Again I ask: What evidence does mortal mind afford that matter is
substantial, is hot or cold? Take away mortal mind, and matter could not
feel what it calls _substance_. Take away matter, and mortal mind could not
cognize its own so-called substance, and this so-called mind would have no
identity. Nothing would remain to be seen or felt.
What is substance? What is the reality of God and the universe? Immortal
Mind is the real substance,--Spirit, Life, Truth, and Love.
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