THERE are interesting and helpful lessons for the Christian Scientist in the twenty-first and twenty-sixth chapters of Genesis. We find there recorded certain transactions by Abraham and Isaac concerning wells of water. Obviously the water question in Palestine was one of vital importance, and it is not surprising that it assumed serious proportions in the daily lives of the patriarchs. Evidence of this importance is found in the fact that when a dispute with Abimelech about the possession of one of the wells threatened to arise, Abraham, like a thorough business man, took seven ewe lambs and gave them to Abimelech in the presence of the necessary witnesses, as a proof of the passing of a solemn contract that made the well the property of Abraham. Because mortal sense cannot discern spiritual realities, Abimelech doubtless failed to see how Abraham was guided in his action by his growing understanding of the one God, from whom flows all good.
Years later some carelessness would seem to have crept in on the part of Abraham's successor, because the well had been left unguarded and the Philistines had seized the opportunity wantonly to pollute it with rubbish. It was now Isaac's turn to be confronted with the problem, and his first thought, promptly translated into action, was to clear away the impurities so as to render the well once again fit for its beneficent purpose. This done, Isaac next decided to increase his pure water supply, but his progress was seemingly impeded by covetousness on the part of wild and ignorant peasants. Evil sought to give itself power, but Isaac wasted no time in fighting error with error; he persevered in his legitimate work until he gained indisputable possession of a well of pure springing water, his by virtue of his growing apprehension that God, good, reigns supreme and harmoniously guides and controls His own.
Century succeeded century, till the day came when the prophet Isaiah discerned the metaphysical meaning of the well of pure water, and this understanding enabled him to give humanity a mighty uplift by pointing out that God is our salvation; he could say, "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
