Article February 17, 1923 Issue

Spiritual Evidence

CHARLES C. SANDELIN

CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS often testify to the fact that through the study of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, they have gained an enlarged understanding of the Bible, many passages which before were obscure having been illumined, and incidents which were considered supernatural having been satisfactorily explained and found to be applicable to present needs, in a manner previously unthought of. As an instance, may be mentioned the experience of Elijah and his servant on mount Carmel, as narrated in the eighteenth chapter of the first book of Kings.

After a long period of drought, which resulted in a famine, the prophet Elijah informed King Ahab that there was "a sound of abundance of rain." With his servant, he then went to the summit of mount Carmel, where he sat with his head between his knees, and instructed the servant to look toward the sea, undoubtedly for evidence of approaching rain. The servant at first reported that there was no sign, and was instructed to look again seven times. At the seventh time, he announced that there was a small cloud arising out of the sea. Thereupon, without waiting for further evidence, Elijah sent word to King Ahab to return to his dwelling before the downpour of rain should stop him; and soon thereafter, the sky was covered with clouds and a heavy rain swept over the country.

It is clear that Elijah's first statement to King Ahab was not based upon any evidence discernible by the material senses; for when the servant was instructed to look, he at first reported no visible sign that would indicate the approach of rain. The commonly accepted interpretation of this story would be that Elijah was possessed of prophetic foresight, a special dispensation bestowed upon him by God, which enabled him to foretell the coming of rain to famine-stricken Samaria. While admitting the prophetic quality possessed by Elijah, Christian Science throws further light on the question, showing the active part played by the prophet in bringing the event to pass.

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