Article April 30, 1938 Issue

"It is manna"

GLADYS GORDON

The wilderness journeyings of the children of Israel may be compared to the experiences of all mankind; and this Bible story, studied in the light of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, proves the comparison to be a fitting one. Was not each progressive step from Egyptian bondage into the promised land of Canaan actuated by divine intelligence and guidance? Did not every trial of the Israelites afford an opportunity for a demonstration by their leader, Moses, of the power of Mind over material beliefs and conditions? Were they not learning from these experiences to turn from false gods to reliance on the one and only God? Similar steps are being taken by the Christian Scientist, today, in his journey from the land of bondage imposed by sense testimony to the haven of Soul.

After the Israelites, under Moses' guidance, had been led forth from Egypt, we are told of many instances which showed the presence of the sustaining power of Mind. Yet, the people murmured against God, demanding to know if it would not have been better for them to have died in Egypt, where they "sat by the flesh pots," rather than perish of hunger in the wilderness!

The land of Canaan had been the heritage of the children of Israel since God's promise to Abram: "I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, ... all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession." Yet the children of Israel lingered. How often, today, men postpone the enjoyment of that which God bestows upon all as a divine heritage, and sentence themselves to weary years of wilderness wandering! If we are tempted to wonder at what may be considered lack of faith on the part of the Israelites of old, it would be well for us to ponder Mrs. Eddy's words in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 135): "There is to-day danger of repeating the offence of the Jews by limiting the Holy One of Israel and asking: 'Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?'" This question is followed by a statement which is a direct challenge to limited material thinking: "What cannot God do?"

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April 30, 1938
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