Editorial January 16, 1909 Issue

SPIRITUAL WRESTLINGS

Annie M. Knott

It is not possible to overestimate the value of the spiritual unfoldings which come to us as we study the Scriptures in the light of Christian Science. As we begin to recognize spiritual facts, we likewise see material conditions which have seemed very threatening to human sense, disappear before a dawning apprehension of Truth and Love. A spiritual fact or experience is as indestructible as Truth itself. It has its place in universal consciousness, and is there to enrich all those who have eyes to see and ears to hear in all time.

Such is the story of Jacob's experience at Peniel, when he wrestled with the angel and communed with God "face to face." Jacob had left his father's house many years before, because of the fierce anger of his brother Esau, but the time came when he was bidden to leave the idolatrous surroundings of Padan-aram and return to the land of his kindred. We read that he was pursued by Laban, his father-in-law and business partner, and that a treaty of peace was made between them after their differences had been settled. Then we are told that, as Jacob went on his way, "the angels of God met him." and helped to prepare him for another peaceful victory. Our revered Leader gives us an enlarged sense of angels when she tells us that they are "pure thoughts from God, winged with Truth and Love, no matter what their individualism may be" (Science and Health, p. 298). By their coming Jacob was better prepared to meet his brother, who in the days gone by had threatened to kill him, and who was now approaching with four hundred men.

We are told that Jacob sent on his servants with a princely present for Esau, but well he knew that something above and beyond the material was needed to heal their feud; so we find him alone with God, in the silence of the night, face to face with the infinite demands of Truth and Love. Wonderfully does Mrs. Eddy describe Jacob's wrestling and its perfect, result. She tells us that he "did not loosen his hold upon this glorious light until his nature was transformed" (Science and Health, p. 308). From this victory came his name Israel,—a prince who had prevailed, and who had "power with God and with men."

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