Article August 14, 1909 Issue

"WHICH HAVE EARS, AND HEAR NOT"

DAISY BEDFORD

It is interesting to note how constantly Jesus based his teaching upon the objects which surrounded him at the time he was instructing either his disciples or the multitude,—the fowls of the air, the flowers of the field, the wind, the sea, all in their turn served as illustrations to convey his meaning. In Science, with the understanding that in the world God governs and controls, every incident no matter how small is of value, we often find an answer to many problems which arise in our minds, and learn many valuable lessons from that which is around us.

One illustration occurs to the writer. She was wondering why so often some inquirers into Christian Science almost from the first seem to assimilate and demonstrate its teaching, while others who have been in the midst of the field and have probably been healed, appear so unresponsive. Occasionally one hears it said, "Oh, yes! Christian Science is a beautiful religion; but there is a lot in it that I cannot accept." Like the Israelites, who when their needs were met in the wilderness grumbled at that which was provided, until error destroyed itself in fire, plague, in all manner of sickness and disease, we open our mouths wide that the Lord may fill them, forgetting how necessary it is to remember what Mrs. Eddy says, "But murmur not over Truth, if you find its digestion bitter" (Science and Health, p. 559).

The illustration which seemed so helpful was this: looking in the fire, the writer noticed that in the center of the fireplace there was bright blaze, but at the extreme edge on each side the glow had given way to gray ash, with the exception of one or two small pieces of coal, which evidently had recently been placed there. In the center, where flames were brightly burning, lay a large piece of coal, absolutely untouched, as it seemed, by the flames, not a spark visible. The pieces of coal, however, although so far from the central blaze, were smoking vigorously, prepared at any moment to burst into flame could they come into touch with that which should ignite them. With a gentle touch this was accomplished, the slightest movement in the direction of the central blaze was sufficient for the immediate reflection of light and beat. Not so with the large piece of coal, which required several very vigorous knocks before it showed any signs of burning.

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