Article August 19, 1922 Issue

"A bruised reed"

Florence Davis Keller

As a natural concomitant of the study of Christian Science comes the study of the Bible. This study, in the light of spiritual revelation, brings forth the hidden Scriptural treasures, and leads one to exclaim with Paul, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" So often is the Scriptural message expressed in unfamiliar metaphor that, unless it is comprehended in terms of Spirit, the precious import is overlooked. Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 169): "The literal rendering of the Scriptures makes them nothing valuable, but often is the foundation of unbelief and hopelessness. The metaphysical rendering is health and peace and hope for all. The literal or material reading is the reading of the carnal mind, which is enmity toward God, Spirit." With blessings infinite, the truths of Christian Science sweep away the dust of materialism, which would always tend to obscure the inspired Word; then the sacred pages are illumined, so that even the least understood sayings radiate with the light of healing and inspiration.

One such passage is the very beautiful and illuminating verse in the book of Isaiah: "A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth." In studying the marginal references opposite the verse, it is learned that the "bruised reed" is but another name for the broken spirit,—a token of repentance. The saying of Isaiah is further elucidated by the psalmist's words, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in the works of the Messiah, who brought healing to the contrite heart because he knew the truth. His consciousness was filled with spiritual ideas. He broke not the bruised reed; but, rather, gave some tender, loving, spiritual truth about God and man to lighten the burden of him who came seeking the healing touch of the Christ. Many have learned through Christian Science much of the spiritual meaning of the Word; and they, too, can obey Isaiah's injunction "to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke." He whose thought has been touched with the true knowledge of God would not allow criticism or blame to make heavier the burden of one who, perhaps, through struggles unseen and unknown to others, has been longing for the kingdom of heaven.

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