Article April 20, 1940 Issue

Protective Power of Truth

EDITH W. WHITE

The experience of Elijah recorded in the nineteenth chapter of I Kings, is replete with inspiration to all seeking safety in these troublous times. Familiar as the story is to students of the Bible, an understanding of its spiritual import is needed today; and, if heeded, it will bring courage and calm amidst the strife of world conditions.

The prophet Elijah had served God faithfully, according to his understanding, but the enmity aroused against him so overwhelmed him with despair that he fled to the wilderness. There he was nourished and strengthened by an angel, and in that strength went "forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God," where he lodged in a cave, depressed by a sense of failure in the accomplishment of his mission. But the voice of the Lord came to him bidding him go forth and stand upon the mount. There he witnessed the raging wind, the earthquake, and the fire. But the Lord was not in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire; "and after the fire a still small voice," which he recognized as the voice of the Lord.

To one student of Christian Science the message conveyed by this story of Elijah has become more precious as the spiritual interpretation of it has unfolded in her consciousness. It vividly recalls an incident in which was proved the protective power of Truth. A little group of Christian Scientists in a small Midwestern city were busily engaged in building a new church. There was no material wealth among them, but their spiritual riches were great, and "the people had a mind to work." Self-sacrifice and deep consecration to this holy Cause were paramount in their lives; and a few of them had labored many years towards this goal. The incident occurred in midsummer, when excessive heat prevailed. One Wednesday the First Reader had finished the preparation for the Wednesday evening meeting, and had put the books aside, when suddenly the thought came that the lesson prepared should not be read that night. The work had been carefully and prayerfully done, and there was a sense of bewilderment—but the conviction became clearer and clearer that another lesson must be prepared. The admonition was so distinct that it seemed like a voice. Material sense argued that the time was too short to prepare another lesson, that there was not another subject in thought, that there was no reason why the lesson over which so much time had been spent in preparation should not be used. However, the inner voice would not be stilled, so guidance was prayerfully sought, and this story of Elijah was the answer. In a short time the lesson was prepared with effortless joy.

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