Article June 28, 1958 Issue

THE FAN AND ITS PURPOSE

NAOMI PRICE

The word "fan" is used only a few times in the Bible. But the fact that it has been selected for inclusion among the definitions in the Glossary of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy indicates its importance. Here Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 586): "Fan. Separator of fable from fact; that which gives action to thought." This definition refers solely to mental processes and brings to us today the true meaning of the word which the prophets employed symbolically.

In Biblical times a fan was an agricultural implement used at the season of harvest to separate the useless husk from the good grain. It designated a five or six-pronged fork with which the grain was tossed into the air. The kernel of the grain, being heavier and more substantial than the husk, fell by its own weight to the threshing floor, and the lighter, unwanted husk was carried away by the wind.

Speaking of the Christ as represented by Jesus, John the Baptist said (Matt. 3:11, 12), "He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

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