In the second chapter of II Kings we read: "And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee. And Elisha said, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me." The first twenty-two verses of this chapter contain a wonderful lesson of faithfulness and love. Elisha when plowing in his father's fields recognized Elijah as a prophet of Truth and followed him and ministered unto him, so we find him mentioned as a faithful follower of Elijah. A careful study of this chapter shows the student that at no time was Elisha tempted to tarry, rather was he ever ready to follow in the way pointed out by Truth to Elijah. Nor was he tempted to be discouraged when at each city he was asked by the sons of the prophets, "Knowest thou that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head to day?" for he was looking beyond the mortal sense of personality and so could answer, "Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace."
Thus it came to pass that when Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee," Elisha was ready to ask for a greater understanding of the truth that had enabled Elijah to heal the sick, raise the dead, and divide the waters so that they might walk on dry ground. In response to this request, Elijah answered and said, "Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee." In other words, if Elisha were able to perceive the underlying fact of divine Principle, and to recognize God's man as "never born and never dying" (Science and Health, p. 258), he would receive a double portion of the spirit, and his prayer (desire) would be answered.
Let us follow these prophets to the point where "perfect love casteth out fear" and man as the likeness of God is revealed. The waters of the river Jordan have been parted, and these two God-fearing and God-loving men have crossed over on dry ground. They continue their journey, talking no doubt of the Father's loving-kindness, of the Life that knows no death. Suddenly, there appeared a chariot and horses of fire and parted them asunder, and Elijah was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven. "And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof." Such rejoicing! The wonder of it! Not a moment's grief —there was only time to rejoice. Elisha had recognized his God as a God of life, not a God of death, and not for one instant did he tarry to agree with any sense testimony of separation. No; he took up the mantle which had fallen from Elijah, and went back and stood by the bank of Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah and smote the waters and said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" And when he had smitten the waters, they parted and Elisha went over.
