The Ancient Science of Numbers/Chapter 1
CHAPTER I.
THE SCIENCE OF NUMBERS
The Science of Numbers is in no respect a modern invention. Thousands of years ago the Eastern philosophers and religionists knew and practiced it. They recognized the importance of the relationship between the name and the life of the individual, and, when the latter was seriously threatened by disease, or other misfortune, they changed the name to ward off the impending disaster.
Of course, during these scores of centuries, many changes have been made in the Science of Numbers, particularly in the methods of applying it. Students have delved deeply into its mysteries, and, by patient study, and most painstaking experiments, have succeeded in bringing it into truer harmony with existing conditions. In other words, while the Science of Numbers is just what it always has been—one of the surest and safest methods by which man may put his life in harmony with the laws of nature and of God—our more perfect comprehension of the workings of these natural laws has enabled us to apply their principles so accurately that these things which, to the ancients, were mysteries to be accepted upon faith alone, are now seen to be facts, fully capable of actual demonstration.
It would be both interesting and instructive to trace the history of the Science of Numbers through the centuries that have passed since the day when Hebrew and Egyptian mystics taught its principles as one of their most sacred mysteries. In so small a volume, however, it would be folly to attempt so pretentious a task, especially in view of the fact that, for all present purposes, it Is sufficient that we should realize that the Science of Numbers has been known and credited since very early in the world’s history, and that, having been cherished with most tender solicitude through the turmoil and storms of the centuries, it has come to us with the signs of truth and authenticity indelibly fixed by the stamp of years.
It is not easy to find a definition for the Science of Numbers that shall be both brief and comprehensive. We may say, however, that it is a method of enumeration by means of which the life of men and things may be fixed and rounded out to a state of approximate completion by being brought into harmony with the laws of Omnipotence.
According to the theories upon which it has been constructed, man and all his affairs are subject to a rule of what may be termed “divine mathematics.” That is to say, the vibrations of the Infinite, which govern all things and control all circumstances in this world, can be expressed most satisfactorily—in view of the finite limits to our appreciation of divine things—by a system of mathematical notation. To bring this system down to the level of our confined plane of thought, that we may make use of it by applying it to our individual needs and experiences, men have found it advisable to express this truth by a series of Harmonies: (1) by letter; (2) by number; (3) by color; and (4) by note, or musical tone. In every respect these four Harmonies bear a relation of perfect concord to one another. Thus, each name has its own numerical symbol, and each symbol is governed by the vibrations that play in and through the name, standing in a certain ascertainable harmony to its respective color and musical tone. According to the action of these vibrations, or in accordance with the degree of concordant or discordant relation in which the symbols stand to their Harmonies, the life of the individual is turned into fortunate or unfortunate channels; into paths that are pleasant or unpleasant; into ways that are good, or ways that are bad.
It may seem strange, if not a trifle unreasonable, that a mere accident of birth, like that of a name, should exert so material an effect upon the life of the person bearing it, but, when the character of these laws of vibrations is understood, as it will be by those who faithfully study the following pages, the mystery will not be so difficult of comprehension.
It ls true that the name of the child is the act of man—the act of the parents, for which the child is not directly responsible. To hold him responsible, in fact, would be unreasonable, if not unjust, and it is in precisely this respect that the Science of Numbers appears as the great adjustor of human blunders. Thus, the child who could not prevent his parents from giving him an inharmonious name, can change that name to bring it into more perfect concord with harmonious vibrations.
It is sometimes difficult to fathom the apparent mystery that is so often manifested in the operations of divine law, but of one fact we may be certain. God never operates in the affairs of men except by means of laws that are within the scope of human comprehension. It may be possible that—owing to our own ignorance—the secret of the law has not yet been discovered, but it is pretty safe to predict that, were this law understood, we should find that all its operations were along perfectly natural grooves.
Thus, it was not many years ago that science made the discovery of man’s duality of mind, and yet, to-day, the fact of the existence of a subconscious as well as a conscious sense is generally regarded as a well-established conclusion. Because we were once unable to fathom this mystery of the dual consciousness, we supposed that the mind of man was capable of but one method of manifestation. This supposition, however, did not make this circumstance a fact. This duality of mind was there, although we could not see it. It was because of our ignorance that we were blind to its existence.
It is in just this manner that, little by little, man has awakened to a deeper and truer appreciation of the nature of the laws that God has formulated for the government of human affairs, and there is no principle taught in the Science of Numbers that to any degree contradicts, or opposes any recognized manifestation of divine law. To the contrary, every psychic law that is discovered only tends to emphasize more fully the importance of the Science of Numbers, and the necessity of taking advantage of the opportunities it offers to put ourselves more fully into harmony with the vibrations that shape the course of human experiences.
For example, the fact that man’s health, happiness, and success are matters that are largely dependent upon the action of the subjective, or subconscious mind, and not, as so long was believed, upon the objective faculties alone, presents a strong argument in support of the study and practical application of the Science of Numbers. Important as the part of the subconscious mind may be, it is not capable, unaided, of maintaining the highest mental equilibrium. Thus, if the objective mind is given too free a rein, and is permitted to deluge the subjective mind with unhealthful, unhappy, and unsuccessful thoughts, it is inevitable that the latter will at last succumb to the attacks upon it, and disasters of some sort follow.
It is true that a man’s life and character are largely Influenced by his thoughts—as he thinks, so he is—and yet it is just as true that a man’s thoughts are materially influenced by the conditions of his life. If he is happy, and healthful, and successful in all that he undertakes; or, in other words, if his life runs smoothly along absolutely harmonious lines, it requires no effort upon his part to mould his thoughts correspondingly.
This, then, Is the great mission of the Science of Numbers. By a study of its principles, and by the practical application of these principles in all the affairs of daily experience, the course of man’s life is brought into a condition of harmony that could be possible under no other circumstances. To be in tune with the laws of life is to live harmoniously. To live harmoniously means more health, more happiness, and more success than may be attained in any other way.
In opening the door to this study of the Science of Numbers, however, and before inviting the student to enter, it seems necessary to call his attention to one or two facts. First, in studying the Science of Numbers, as in studying any other science or philosophy that is grounded upon psychic truth, it is well to remember that success or failure in such researches is often a question of the attitude of the individual mind. In other words, if the study is approached in a spirit of skepticism, or levity, the results will be but meagre, whereas, if undertaken in the spirit of truth and faith, or through love for, and faith in the beneficent influence of the divine principle of truth, the reward will be great beyond the most sanguine expectations.
It must also be suggested that, to attain the best results, it is frequently advisable for the student to attach himself to sympathetic associates. Environment counts for much in all we do, or attempt to do, while thought, and especially the thoughts of others are strong factors in the production of the most favorable environment. It is earnestly hoped, therefore, that whatever of interest or of advantage the student may find in this study, he will share with others, and that he will use every endeavor to acquaint his friends with the vital truths that are now to be imparted.
“According to thy Faith be it unto thee.”