Article February 9, 1935 Issue

Divine Sonship

PEARL G. ANDREWS

The story of the bondwoman, Hagar, and her son, Ishmael, has always been of great interest to a certain student of Christian Science. As a child in an orthodox Sunday school, and even later in the immature years of her Bible study, there had been much questioning at the seeming hardness on the part of Sarah in casting out this woman who was the mother of one of Abraham's sons. This questioning was corrected as experiences came, for with them some measure of growth in the understanding of Truth and Love unfolded in her consciousness.

Isaac, the child of promise, had appeared and there was great rejoicing in the tents of Sarah and Abraham. Ishmael, the bondwoman's son, saw his little kingdom fall, and jealousy and resentment manifested themselves, for it is related that he was found mocking. That the rebuke felt in the heart of Sarah was justifiable when she bade Abraham, "Cast out this bondwoman and her son," is evident, for we read that Abraham, when grieved at this, was told by God to hearken to the voice of Sarah, and he obeyed God's directing.

Humanly speaking, it seemed heartless to send Hagar and her son into the wilderness with but a little food, a bottle of water, and no definite place of refuge; yet this was the command. How significant this becomes when a spiritual interpretation of the Scriptures is applied! Indeed, the Bible narratives, symbols, and experiences serve as guideposts along our journey from sense to Soul. The Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, as well as her other writings, offers us all we need in the way of spiritual inspiration, for these writings unlock the Scriptures and enable all to read with understanding.

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