Article November 6, 1915 Issue

The Burning Bush

SAMUEL JOHNSTONE MACDONALD

Some years ago a friend of the writer was healed in Christian Science. It was a remarkable case, for he was not only reformed but transformed. When the writer first saw him after his healing, he stood amazed as at a miracle. On inquiring what had wrought this marvel, he was told that it was Christian Science, and then he was obliged to inquire further what was meant by the phrase. On being informed, he concluded very naturally that he must learn of this wonder-working power and win some share in its great good. Still he did not succeed. For fifteen years he lingered without the gates of the city, catching glimpses ever and anon of the light and joy within, but never able to win his way to its heart. It began to seem certain to him that he never would have part or lot with those happy citizens. Nevertheless, the day came when he had given up self entirely, and then like a little child he was gently led by the hand within the gates, where presently he began by degrees to behold the light, "for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof."

Sometimes thought looked back to that healing of the friend fifteen years before, and wonder would arise that the truth had not then been seen and felt, and the apostle's searching question came, "Who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?" This question remained unanswered for some time, for more important thoughts called for attention and study; but the student waited in patience and meekness, knowing that every question will be answered in its own proper time, "for there is nothing covered," Jesus declared, "that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known."

One evening one of the "angels of His presence" (Science and Health, p. 174) brought to thought the picture of Moses in the desert when he came upon his first great marvel,—the sight of the burning bush. "And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt." This is the natural impulse of the human mind in presence of anything unusual. It is the motion which is usually styled among men "natural curiosity." It was inevitable at this point that the writer should recognize the parallel between his own experience fifteen years ago and that of Moses. What was it but the bush that "burned with fire" which he beheld in the marvel of the healing of his friend? Was not that too the manifestation of divine Love, the eternal ardor which glows continually but does not harm? Surely God is "the same yesterday, and today, and forever," and with Him is "no variableness, neither shadow of turning." What then had caused his eyes to be "holden" that they could not see at the time that his friend's healing was surely one of the manifold manifestations of divine Love? Let us look and see: "And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."

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