Angels

ETTA M. GILBREATH

Mankind has always had a belief in angels; and this belief, although apparently submerged in matter, yet stood as a recognition of God's grace. It expressed their faith in God's protection and guidance, although so vaguely defined and so enveloped in materiality was it that little practical use could be found in it for either protection or guidance. This belief continued to be held, however, until Mrs. Eddy, with her clear vision, rescued "angels" from matter, and defined them in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 581) as, "God's thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality." Thus, she made it possible for us to realize that we "abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Christian Science teaches us that spiritual understanding is the great necessity; so that, even after we know that angels are "spiritual intuitions," we must have a means of recognizing them; for many a demonstration of Truth is delayed simply through our ignorance of the form these "intuitions" take. As angels are thoughts, that angel which is probably the most familiar, and possibly the least recognized, is the angel which appears in the form of a question. If we stop to consider our thought-processes we may realize how often they are filled with questions. Especially is this true at times when we are confronted with some unusual problem.

In the pleasant experiences of human existence we may drift or swim with the current of mortal thought with which we seem to come in contact. Mental idleness or apathy may lead us to go ahead carelessly and unheedingly in unquestioning blindness. But let us run against a snag, or let a storm break and ruffle the waters of our dream, and immediately our thoughts are filled with questions; in fact, the more disturbed we are the more the questions envelop us. These questions are often truly angels; for it is the intuition of Truth, the intuition of God's presence and power that makes us question the testimony of the senses. As we learn more of Science, we shall learn also to invite these questions. We shall, indeed, recognize them, and go out to meet them, as did Abraham the angels that visited him, inviting them to come in and sup with us; or, as Jacob wrestled with the problem he had, so we must learn to wrestle with every question that comes to thought, never ceasing until the day dawns—until we have the correct answer. It is in this way that we gain in understanding.

If invalids would stop and listen to the questions coming all the time, if they would take up these questions and not leave them until they were answered according to Christian Science, then they would find their healing, in proportion to their obedience to the answer received from God. The question may come, "Why am I not healed?" It is all-important to know the answer to that question; and any argument trying to push one into the kingdom past the unanswered question will only fail. The question is the angel sent to guide us in the right way. If we do not know the answer, that is but the more reason why we should give it prayerful consideration. James tells us, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, ... and it shall be given him."

An invalid is in very much the same mental attitude as one who attends a business meeting when some important problem is before the house. It is necessary that the problem be decided correctly. A motion is made,—in the invalid's case it may be, that he be given into the hands of a doctor; and this motion may be followed by another,—that the sufferer commit his way to God, in Christian Science. Then comes the argument as to the merits or demerits of the motions. Finally, the question is called for; and it is at this all-important point there is special need for divine wisdom. The patient must decide either for Science or for suffering; for, as the vote is taken, the answer is given. If he votes with material sense, he shuts the door in the face of the angel standing on the threshold of consciousness; but on the other hand, if he votes with spiritual understanding, and the question is answered correctly, the angel is recognized and received as God's messenger. Then, he may prove health to be the reality of existence. If the problem is one of failure or lack, again the necessity is the same,—to recognize God's angel, and answer the question by the truth.

If we wish to obey Jesus' counsel, and become as a little child, we must remember that children question everything; and the more mentally awake they are, the more they question. Mrs. Eddy evidently realized the importance of listening to questions, for her books are full of them; and the answers, as she has given them, prove the pains she took to entertain these angels. As we consider this subject we shall realize that nothing, no amount of explanation or argument, ever awakens a person so quickly or effectively as a question; for the question is a demand made on reason. It is a call to think; yea, verily, it is a trumpet call to awake, and understand. So, indeed, it is a guardian angel; and, accepting its guidance, we are led to realize our freedom from error, and man's health as a God-given reality.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit