Article November 22, 1952 Issue

THE SYMBOLISM OF NATURE

OLGA CYPRIAN COOMBER

Mary Baker Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (P. 575), "Spiritual teaching must always be by symbols." To human consciousness, objects of hearing and sight convey a more vivid impression than abstract theory, and if we would understand and prove the truth, it is essential that it be alive to us.

To the writer, the symbolism of nature is that which hints most vividly the spiritual reality. The wide vista of an open landscape meeting the horizon in a panorama of rugged mountains tipped with fast-moving clouds symbolizes for her the expanding thought rising spiritually into a fuller expression of the strength and grandeur of divine Mind, or God. The beauty and radiance of Soul are hinted by the varied hues of wild flowers underfoot, the uprightness of Principle by the stately forest trees, the warmth and peace of Love by richly clothed glade and softly shimmering lake, the joyous activity of Life by the tumbling mountain stream gurgling its way over boulders with unobstructed ease.

Christ Jesus referred frequently to nature in his parables. So did the Psalmist in his songs. Mrs. Eddy also has many beautiful allusions to nature in her writings.

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