Editorial December 15, 1917 Issue

Ministering Messengers

William P. McKenzie

The Bible records relate how Dothan was beset, and Elisha's servant, who could see the besieging army encircling his master's refuge, became fearful. Then the prophet prayed for the young man. He did not pray for a change in the conditions, but only that his eyes might be opened. There was then a demonstration of enlightenment, and when the young man saw aright, behold, the mountain was filled with a protecting host which to his understanding were the horses and chariots of God. Moreover, the invading host became blind, and so the men were helpless, though still possessing armor and weapons, horses and chariots, and all the material beliefs whereby they had sought to induce fear and submission. Elisha knew that the heavenly legions were nigh and available, even as Daniel did, who found starved and raging wild beasts harmless because of the presence of an angel of God.

It is of interest to every one to know how to receive the ministry of angels, and the method for making oneself ready is simply illustrated in the life of Jesus. When he had consecrated himself in baptism to divine work, immediately he had to meet all the arguments of the world, the flesh, and the devil which combinedly war against spiritual intuition and metaphysical demonstration. These temptations came as thoughts pretending to be true, visions pretending to be real, promises pretending that good could come from an earthly and evil source.

Never was it more clearly shown how the Bible is a chart guiding into right channels of thought than by the way Jesus became master and secured liberation both from temptations and tempter by the clear statements of truth quoted from Holy Writ. Then it followed that the devil left him, and "angels came and ministered unto him." For our encouragement Mrs. Eddy has written (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 204), "When the good fight is fought, error yields up its weapons and kisses the feet of Love, while white-winged peace sings to the heart a song of angels."

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