Article February 5, 1927 Issue

Dominion Over Time

MYRTLE TIMMONS SUTHERLAND

A Remarkable episode, showing the possibility of dominion over time, is recorded in the early experience of Joshua and the children of Israel in the promised land. They had successfully crossed the river Jordan into the boundaries of Canaan, the land which had been promised them. They had overthrown Jericho and Ai, two powerful strongholds of hostile tribes, and had made a treaty of peace with the princes of Gibeon. After the consummation of this treaty, Joshua received a sudden and imperative call for help from the new allies. Five powerful kings of the country had formed a league with the purpose of destroying the people of Gibeon for having made peace with the children of Israel. At the command of God, Joshua proceeded to lead his entire army against this seemingly powerful coalition.

Success attended the children of Israel at the outset, as it always did when they were unswervingly obedient to divine law. One thing only seemed to be lacking—time in which to complete the victory. We read at this point in the Biblical narrative that Joshua, in the sight of all Israel, said, "Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon." The account proceeds: "And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed. . . . So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day. And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel."

This story, interpreted spiritually, symbolizes man's complete dominion over time. One of the beautiful and eternal truths which students of Christian Science early learn is that they have ample time to do well whatever it is necessary and right for them to do, whatever it is the divine will that they should do. Whether one's problem be that he seems to have too much to do and too little time, or that he has too little to do and too much time, if he will but seek the aid of God, divine intelligence, he is certain to work out gradually a condition of harmonious and happy activity, in place of a condition of feverish hurry or of unhappy lethargy and stagnation. Likewise, if he seeks wisdom and love from God, this change can be effected without antagonizing others who may seem to be involved.

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