They Had Light in Their Dwellings

ALMEDA VAN HOOSE COOPER

A most helpful lesson was learned by a mother while reading to her children the Scriptural record of the struggles of the children of Israel before their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. In the account of the plague of darkness, these words were found very impressive: "But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings." Pausing to consider the true meaning of light, and turning to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she read to them Mrs. Eddy's definition (p. 591): "Morning. Light; symbol of Truth; revelation and progress."

One night not long after this, while alone with her children, the mother was awakened by the cries of a little one, whom she found affected with fever. She attempted to reassure her with words of Truth, but seemed unable to quiet her. Her cries had awakened the other children, and out of the darkness came a child's words: "Mother, remember how there was light in the houses of the children of Israel during the plague of darkness."

Light! That was what was needed. They began repeating familiar passages from the Scriptures and Mrs. Eddy's writings. The little one was repeating them also; and soon she was sleeping quietly, with her brow cool. Again the darkness of error and fear had passed from the house where the light of Truth was shining.

How often has the remembrance of this experience served to help at other times when the darkness of sorrow, sickness, or lack seemed to be gathering in thought! "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light." The light of the true understanding of God is always at hand for us to use. Wherever we may be, or in whatever circumstance or condition, we have but to turn to God to find the light we need. The darkness of wrong thinking cannot long remain in Truth's presence.

Through her life of patient, untiring love Mrs. Eddy has shown that Truth is accessible to mankind. In her writings she has given us a clear, practical understanding of the Bible, which contains the Word of Truth; and for this we are unceasingly grateful. Oil is an agent of illumination; and on page 592 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy gives us a clear definition of "oil" as "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration."

Sometimes, when a situation seems intolerable, and the way out of it long and difficult, perhaps a little more "oil" is needed, so that one's light may burn more brightly; or maybe the light needs lifting a little higher, so that its radiance may help a brother to find his way more clearly. And we have always before us the example of Christ Jesus, standing as a clear and beautiful manifestation of light against the dark background of ignorance, superstition, and fear. It was he who gave us the gentle admonition, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

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