Article November 6, 1943 Issue

Harp Strings

MABEL REED HYZER

In an ancient royal palace on a night long ago, David took his harp and played to King Saul, and Saul was healed of an "evil spirit." Rest and peace resulted. No doubt the songs he played were simple. David had been a shepherd boy and had lived much out of doors. His modesty and purity must have been apparent as he came at Saul's request to play for him. His qualities of thought would be expressed in his music.

Saul knew that he was quieted when David played, but he could not have apprehended the full significance of the experience. For it was not the music made by the human hand that quieted the sufferer. It was doubtless the spiritual sense of harmony of which David was conscious which healed Saul. Such an experience is described by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." where she says (p.213), "Mortal mind is the harp of many strings, discoursing either discord or harmony according as the hand, which sweeps over it, is human or divine." David's human hand playing the harp could not heal, but his consciousness of the divine presence would be effective and result in harmony.

Music, even as it is known humanly, is universally loved. Many composers and artists have been inspired in their work as they strove for perfection of tone, melody, and execution. A well-known composer was making a long automobile journey. Tuning in his radio on a convenient program, he became aware that one of his own compositions was being played. As he listened, he commented from time to time to his companion, sometimes constructively criticizing the rendition.

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