The flame is referred to figuratively in a number of places in the Bible. It also appears as a physical evidence of considerable significance in other instances. What is its spiritual implication in this age?

Christian Science teaches that every spiritual idea has its material counterfeit, that is, to the human senses, for, to spiritual sense, all is spiritual. The negative sense of flame is used when referring to the self-destructive elements of error. Where these elements appear, they do so only to destroy themselves—the illusion of their being real. They would not appear were it sufficiently understood that they are testifying to the supposed absence of the flames of Truth, which are present in the same place and at the same moment.

To material sense the flame typifies extreme heat. An illustration of the intensity of this heat is that of the fiery furnace into which the three Hebrew captives were cast. But so great was their love of God that the flame of spirituality was all about them and sheltered them. They emerged from this proof of divine protection without a trace of the fire upon them.

The burden of this lesson is clear. Mrs. Eddy writes in Miscellany (pp. 149, 150), "Remember, thou canst be brought into no condition, be it ever so severe, where Love has not been before thee and where its tender lesson is not awaiting thee." What is essential, if we are to experience, similar blessings, is an absolute recognition of man, dwelling safely and forever in the presence of God, of Life, Truth, and Love.

The flame also in Scriptural narrative implies the light of the Holy One and of the Holy Ghost. This light was spiritual illumination bursting upon receptive human consciousness. But it seemed actually to take the form of light to the senses. This took place in one instance when the disciples gathered together after the ascension of their beloved Master, Christ Jesus.

It was the Day of Pentecost, and "they were all with one accord in one place" (Acts 2:1). It is stated that with the coming to them of spiritual inspiration, the light from heaven was so strong that it appeared as "cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them."

The flame of love must kindle human hearts to stir them to self-sacrifice and cause them to reach that resolve which translates divine thoughts into acts of spiritual healing. To the sinner this flame may resemble a power which he cannot elude, a power that will burn the error confusing him until he is released from the illusion of materiality.

None can stand within the illumination cast by the flame of Truth unless his spirituality is akin to and one with the enduring warmth of God's love. Error would instantly shrivel up and disappear were it to come for a moment near this divine flame.

The coldness of mere rhetoric has to be warmed from this source before that state of mind can be reached which reflects God's healing power. The mere letter without spiritual love has no efficacy to heal and is fundamentally dishonest.

Mrs. Eddy writes, for example, in the textbook. Science and Health (p. 367), "The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them, are better than hecatombs of gushing theories, stereotyped borrowed speeches, and the doling of arguments, which are but so many parodies on legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love."

When the heat of the oppressive beliefs of the suppositional carnal mind seems beyond endurance, it is always a sign that they are rapidly burning themselves away. One should stay with the experience until the flame of selfless love has won the battle. The victory will appear, as those who have been faithful under such duress can testify.

Where the flame of God burns, there is a light that radiates immortal harmony. It is synonymous with divine wisdom. It lacks nothing, and the Christ, through God's grace, is the purveyor of this light to mankind.

The so-called flame of material sense cannot be ignored. It has to be extinguished at every point by the Holy Ghost. Love remains after the heat passes, for the eternal flame of the Holy Ghost illumines consciousness with the light of the understanding that God is All and that there is none else.