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Some Answered Questions
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Pages 207-209
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55: SOUL, SPIRIT AND MIND
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Question.--What is the difference between the mind,
spirit and soul?
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Answer.--It has been before explained that spirit is
universally divided into five categories: the vegetable
spirit, the animal spirit, the human spirit, the spirit of
faith, and the Holy Spirit.
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The vegetable spirit is the power of growth which is
brought about in the seed through the influence of other
existences.
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The animal spirit is the power of all the senses, which is
realized from the composition and mingling of elements;
when this composition decomposes, the power also
perishes and becomes annihilated. It may be likened to
this lamp: when the oil, wick and fire are combined, it is
lighted; and when this combination is dissolved--that is
to say, when the combined parts are separated from one
another--the lamp also is extinguished.
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The human spirit which distinguishes man from the
animal is the rational soul, and these two names--the
human spirit and the rational soul--designate one thing.
This spirit, which in the terminology of the philosophers
is the rational soul, embraces all beings, and as far as
human ability permits discovers the realities of things and
becomes cognizant of their peculiarities and effects, and of
the qualities and properties of beings. But the human
spirit, unless assisted by the spirit of faith, does not become
acquainted with the divine secrets and the heavenly
realities. It is like a mirror which, although clear, polished
and brilliant, is still in need of light. Until a ray of the sun
reflects upon it, it cannot discover the heavenly secrets.
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But the mind is the power of the human spirit. Spirit is
the lamp; mind is the light which shines from the lamp.
Spirit is the tree, and the mind is the fruit. Mind is the
perfection of the spirit and is its essential quality, as the
sun's rays are the essential necessity of the sun.
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This explanation, though short, is complete; therefore,
reflect upon it, and if God wills, you may become acquainted
with the details.
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