Article May 9, 1936 Issue

"Until the going down of the sun"

DELLA M. WHITNEY

In studying the book of Exodus one finds it inspiring to observe the patience, steadfastness, and consecration to God exercised by Moses during his sojourn with the children of Israel. In many instances in the wilderness experiences, through his understanding and obedience to God, Moses was able to prove His presence and His power to help and deliver from whatever lack or obstruction there seemed to be. While the children of Israel wasted much time in thinking evil, talking about it and fearing it, Moses always gained a victory by his declarations of the truth and by standing steadfast in the realization of God's supremacy, regardless of what the surroundings or conditions seemed to be. Sometimes on the very heels of a wonderful demonstration of God's allness, when some other need arose, the children of Israel would again doubt, and chide Moses for bringing them up out of Egypt. Moses, however, spent no time arguing with error, but held steadfastly to the truth; and his patience, faith in God, and consecration to Him did not waver.

As recorded in the seventeenth chapter of Exodus, just after Moses had smitten the rock in Horeb and obtained water for the children of Israel to drink, Amalek came against them for battle. Nothing daunted at this new threat of the adversary, the great Hebrew leader again instantly resorted to spiritual power for deliverance. He instructed Joshua to meet the enemy and said, "I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand." Here the word "rod" is seen to indicate spiritual power. It is related that "when Moses held up his hand, . . . Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed." And farther on we read that "his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Thus we understand that Moses realized the presence and power of Spirit, God, until the enemy was overcome. Through his steadfast trust in God he was enabled to attain the great spiritual vision which resulted in wonderful proofs of God's power and presence.

In our own day arose our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, whose unwavering faith in and obedience to God resulted in giving Christian Science to the world. A statement on page 136 of "Miscellaneous Writings" shows the great consecration to God which Mrs. Eddy practiced in her daily life. She says, "The eternal and infinite, already brought to your earnest consideration, so grow upon my vision that I cannot feel justified in turning aside for one hour from contemplation of them and of the faith unfeigned." What faithfulness! Not even for an hour did she cease her untiring efforts to enhance her spiritual vision, and thus be spiritually equipped at all times to overthrow any seeming effort of the adversary. What an example for her followers!

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