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God, in His Bounty, has given us a foretaste here, has given us certain proofs of the difference that exists between body, soul and spirit. (65:1) We see that cold, heat, suffering, etc, only concern the body, they do not touch the spirit. (65:2) How often do we see a man, poor, sick, miserably clad, and with no means of support, yet spiritually strong. Whatever his body has to suffer, his spirit is free and well! Again, how often do we see a rich man, physically strong and healthy, but with a soul sick unto death. (65:3) It is quite apparent to the seeing mind that a man's spirit is something very different from his physical body. (65:4) The spirit is changeless, indestructible. The progress and development of the soul, the joy and sorrow of the soul, are independent of the physical body. (65:5) If we are caused joy or pain by a friend, if a love prove true or false, it is the soul that is affected. If our dear ones are far from us-- it is the soul that grieves, and the grief or trouble of the soul may react on the body. (65:6) Thus, when the spirit is fed with holy virtues, then is the body joyous; if the soul falls into sin, the body is in torment! (65:7) When we find truth, constancy, fidelity, and love, we are happy; but if we meet with lying, faithlessness, and deceit, we are miserable. (65:8) These are all things pertaining to the soul, and are not bodily ills. Thus, it is apparent that the soul, even as the body, has its own individuality. But if the body undergoes a change, the spirit need not be touched. When you break a glass on which the sun shines, the glass is broken, but the sun still shines! If a cage containing a bird is destroyed, the bird is unharmed! If a lamp is broken, the flame can still burn bright!
(65:9)
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