Article June 15, 1912 Issue

THE BOW OF PROMISE

IRVING C. TOMLINSON, M.A.

In consonance with the declaration of the psalmist, "He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions," the true understanding of the Scripture must heal all manner of disease. Earnest effort is therefore incumbent upon all, that they may receive the fullest possible benefit from the study of the Book of books, and a question that each may profitably ask himself is this: "How readest thou?" Mrs. Eddy has said in Science and Health that "the Bible teaches transformation of the body by the renewal of Spirit. Take away the spiritual signification of Scripture, and that compilation can do no more for mortals than can moonbeams to melt a river of ice" (p. 241). The account of Noah and the ark, as found in chapters six to nine of Genesis, illustrates this point.

We know that among all peoples water has been a significant symbol. When clear and calm, it stands for purity, and for life eternal; when disturbed, it is the type of discordant mortal mind. The flood pictures mankind as submerged in the waters of mortal mind, and Noah's experience portrays the escape from unreality into the reality of being. Science and Health gives us the following spiritual interpretation of ark: "Science showing that the spiritual realities of all things are created by Him and exist forever" (p. 581). Noah's spiritual sense having led him to turn from sin and seek safety, he and his family went into the ark. His truer sense of being lifted him above the turbulence of error, and through faith, obedience, and spiritual understanding he was at last rescued from the discords of false belief. We remember that forty days after the rain had ceased Noah freed a dove which, finding "no rest for the sole of her foot," returned to the ark bringing no sign that the flood had abated. When sent forth the second time it returned with a single leaf; and the third time it did not return. The lesson is evident. Our grasp of spiritual verity sometimes dawns slowly. When Mrs. Eddy first projected Christian Science into the world there was not one to welcome it. Then, by reason of the wonderful healings which she accomplished, her hope and faith found its "olive leaf," and finally, as we see today, Christian Science has gone forth into all the world.

The ark rested upon Mount Ararat. To the highest peaks of thought divine revelation first comes. Those who are most removed from materiality and nearest the clear sky of spiritual harmony are the ones in whom spiritual consciousness is first awakened. It was to such a one that Christian Science was revealed in this age, and with her the ark of divine Science first found its home, because she above all others was fitted to welcome this argosy, freighted with its store of heavenly riches. When the waters had subsided, Noah and his family no longer made their home within the ark. That haven of rest symbolized the abiding presence of the Father, the spiritual sense of which Noah was to give to others. His experience was similar to that of the disciples on the mount of transfiguration. The impetuous Peter would build a home and abide there, but Jesus commanded his followers to descend from the mountain to the valley, and transform the material thoughts of others with their own transfigured experience. This is the true sense of religion, whereas the false sense desires to retain for self the blessed experience of exaltation. Those individuals who would seek communion with God through isolation from humanity, forgetful of its needs, have not fully imbibed the spirit of the Master. Jesus knew better than the disciples that those in the valley needed the result of their experience. So today Christian Scientists do not live apart, but reflect their beatified experience in the home, in the church, in the business realm, and in the affairs of state. We may return to the ark for strength; we may ascend at times the mount of transfiguration for inspiration, but the gifts of love and truth which God has bestowed we are to give to others, since the promises of God are for all times and peoples. Those who truly have fellowship with God and receive His blessing rejoice to transmit that blessing by sharing it with all the needy who are ready to accept it.

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