Article August 8, 1931 Issue

A Light in the Desert

CLARA SCHRADER STREETER

The pillar of cloud and of fire that went before the children of Israel in the desert before they entered the promised land was the symbol of God's presence and protection. In many ways the cloud and the light which led the children of Israel many centuries ago become in all ages the symbol of God's presence. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time to come when God would "create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night," typifying spiritual guidance and protection at all times. This symbol is still further elucidated by Mrs. Eddy in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 566), where she tells us that as the children of Israel "were led through the wilderness, walking wearily through the great desert of human hopes, and anticipating the promised joy,—so shall the spiritual idea guide all right desires in their passage from sense to Soul, from a material sense of existence to the spiritual, up to the glory prepared for them who love God."

Throughout all time "the spiritual idea," in some form recognizable by men, has given light and guidance to the seekers after Truth. Jesus called himself "the light of the world," because, during the brief period of his earthly career, he manifested the Christ, the spiritual idea, more clearly and radiantly than it had ever before been made manifest to mankind. Through his teaching and healing, Jesus illumined human life and made it bright with hope and joy. Jesus illustrated the Christ-way of salvation, the way out of the illusions of material sense. That which illustrates also illumines, lights up the understanding, by exemplifying and demonstrating the power of God, good.

Christian Science expounds and demonstrates the divine Principle and rule by means of which the Master was able to do his wonderful works. It proves that divine Love is available, here and now, to meet the human need. Christian Science comes as a steadfast spiritual light shining in the wilderness of present-day illusions and uncovering the errors of sense, which, from the beginning of mortal history, have tried to prevent men from inheriting the kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world. In the light of this spiritual illumination, errors and false beliefs of every kind are seen to be only shapes and shadows that hide in the gloom of ignorance and misunderstanding. Brought within the radius of the searchlight of Truth, they are found to have no power to harm one or to make him afraid. Neither can they impede or obstruct one's spiritual progress.

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