THE Christian Scientist takes "the inspired Word of the Bible" as his "sufficient guide to eternal Life" (Science and Health, p. 497), and his study of the Scriptures in the light thrown upon them by the text-book of Christian Science, reveals many lessons for his help and guidance among the narratives of the Old Testament, which are not usually so easily understood as those in the New. He gains from these lessons wisdom, courage, and understanding, since they often set forth not only the results obtained by the ancients through an unswerving, uncompromising faith in God, omnipotent good, but frequently illustrate the application of that faith.
The student of Christian Science finds that many times in the past men have availed themselves of the presence and operation of the divine power, although it is noticeable that the people of old, despite the many proofs they had had in their national history that divine help was always at hand, did not instantly turn to God when any difficulty arose, but frequently waited until all other means had been exhausted, or until they were confronted with situations where it seemed utterly useless to attempt to use ordinary means to combat them. In like manner today, many people do not turn to God for aid until they have reached similar conclusions; but those who do thus seek help in meekness and humility, will find an answer as surely as did the Israelites of old.
A narrative contained in the twentieth chapter of the second book of Chronicles contains many lessons for the guidance of the seeker today, and among them we find a clear illustration of the method of realizing the truth of the promise of Jesus recorded in Mark's gospel, where we read, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." To the student of Science and Health the dominant thought in this incident will no doubt recall that paragraph on page 495 where our Leader has written: "When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea. Allow nothing but His likeness to abide in your thought."
