TRUE inspiration may be conveyed by a symbol if one will but look beyond and see the divine idea typified. When this broader view of symbolism is adopted, and the spiritual vision is enlarged and cleared by the animus of truth, material objects visioned or conceived by mankind are taken as symbols of divine ideas in the spiritual or true creation.
In the Glossary to "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives the symbolic definitions of many names of persons and objects, definitions which help in the study of the Bible to uplift thought from the narrative or the parable into the higher spiritual signification, and thus to develop the inspirational understanding which clears away the mortal concept to make room for the healing truth. In the words of one of our hymns, "As we rise, the symbols disappear" (Hymnal, p. 194). As we rise to a clearer spiritual viewpoint and realize the allness of God, we shall need no symbols of worship, but will worship God "in spirit and in truth," as Jesus said to the woman of Samaria, and "in the beauty of holiness," as sung in the Psalms.
The ancient Hebrews worshiped God without symbolic rites (the only exception being the sacrificial offering to typify gratitude or repentance) before their removal into Egypt, where the numerous gods were symbolized by carved figures and even thoughts were written symbolically and by hieroglyphics. The many years in the midst of this nation undoubtedly left their impress upon the Hebrews; yet their own religion, which taught them to worship the one God with simple ceremonies, remained uncontaminated by these impressions until after the eventful journey to the promised land was undertaken.
