Editorial February 3, 1973 Issue

Covered "with his feathers"

Naomi Price

A feather is so light that the gentlest breeze can blow it away, yet in the Bible feathers symbolize impregnable protection against the most menacing of material dangers. "Surely," says the Psalmist, "he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust."^{Ps. 91:3, 4;}

One who reads the Bible and tries to understand its message in its literal sense may wonder how feathers can provide, as it claims, a sure defense against physical force. But another who looks for the spiritual meaning of the Scriptures and grasps to some extent the Christ, the spiritual idea of God, will realize that in this psalm feathers symbolize deific qualities. They represent to the reader the sweet, strong qualities of infinite Love and the good and true ideas derived from divine Principle. These spiritual qualities and ideas, when reflected in human thought, not only comfort but ensure safety for the individual in whose consciousness they appear. The qualities of God, Love—gentleness, kindness, truth, peace, obedience, and intelligence—are health-giving. They bring to human consciousness a healing influence that dispels shadows of discord and danger, relaxes tension, and dissolves the malignant germs of disease. The ideas of God—of His omnipotent care and protection—eliminate thoughts of evil and the perils associated with them. They bring to individual consciousness the power of God, which is a "breastplate of righteousness" and a "shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."^{Eph. 6: 14, 16;} One who reflects these qualities and ideas must always be secure.

Christian Science shows that this spiritual power to keep us safe is very near—as close to us as our own thinking. Anyone who accepts into his consciousness the idea of God's ever-present comfort, reflects His qualities and trusts Him, will be unafraid, unmoved by threats of mortal danger. He will be serene, as one who is warmly safe in the care of the Father, covered "with his feathers."

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