Editorial September 2, 1916 Issue

Light in Our Dwellings

Annie M. Knott

Throughout the Bible there is no other word which so frequently and fittingly describes the divine presence among men as light. The first creative mandate, "Let there be light," was but the prelude to the wonders of divine revelation in all the ages. That the light of Truth and Love with its life-giving influence was ever obscured to the human sense, was always due to the density of material belief. When, therefore, Christ Jesus said to his followers, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven," he made an insistent demand that reaches down through the centuries to the present hour.

To the Christian Scientist the "good works" here indicated point distinctly to those done by our Master during the whole period of his earthly ministry, and of which he said, "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not." These works were possible to Christ Jesus because he always "let" the light of Spirit radiate from him with its healing power. In the Old Testament there are many remarkable experiences given in which the light of Spirit dispelled the darkness of material belief in times of great trial, as for instance during the plagues in Egypt, when "all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings." We are also told that this light did not forsake them, but was with them on all their journey to the promised land.

On page 295 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says: "The manifestation of God through mortals is as light passing through the window-pane. The light and the glass never mingle, but as matter, the glass is less opaque than the walls." It therefore rests with each of us to become what she here calls "a better transparency for Truth," in order that its healing power may reach ourselves and others. At the present time there is great need that the gracious promise found in the fourth chapter of Isaiah shall be realized, especially on behalf of the little children, who surely need the light here spoken of. The promise reads that in every dwelling-place in mount Zion the light of the divine presence will come, that even in the deep darkness of night it will be as "the shining of a flaming fire," and that upon all "the glory shall be a defense." Alas, that in a time of need, at any time, the prophet's stern rebuke to a land "full of idols" should in any wise apply to a so-called Christian people, but none can deny that Christendom has drifted far indeed from the teachings of the lowly Nazarene, who said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me."

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