ONE seeking for a clearer understanding of divine Principle through the inspired pages of the Bible, as illuminated by the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, will be richly compensated by an analytical study of the life of Hezekiah, one of the greatest kings of Judah, and the outstanding events in his reign. It would appear that Isaiah exercised a predominating influence in the great crises of the period as these are recorded in the second book of Kings; and he reveals the source of the wisdom that characterized his counsel in this pregnant statement: "I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known." This was his phrasing of a spiritual understanding gained through reliance upon divine guidance; in other words, upon divine Principle, as one would say when using the terminology of Christian Science
The remarkable incidents recorded by Isaiah are frequently paralleled to-day, though they do not always gain the notice of so large a section of mankind. One of these latter instances was attended by such interesting circumstances that it exemplifies in a peculiarly striking way the present day reliability of Principle.
The one to whom this proof of God's unfailing care was made manifest had penetrated, in company with others, far into a somewhat remote and heavily timbered mountain range of the Northwest, for reasons of a business nature. He and one other member of the party were students of Christian Science, and were earnestly pursuing their studies in camp on a certain Sunday morning. The season was autumn, an exceptionally dry one, and forest fires had prevailed for some weeks in neighboring sections of the district; but none had been noted in the general locality of their camp. On this morning, however, there were evidences of approaching fires; and by the early afternoon the situation became so precarious that they hastily decided to leave camp. It was then they realized that they were completely surrounded, with every avenue of egress apparently closed. For a moment consternation prevailed; but quickly the entire group turned for direction to the one who was the more experienced of the two Scientists. Since early morning the thought of this one had been reaching out to the loving Father of all for guidance and wisdom. Thus prepared by hours of earnest prayer, he was ready on the instant, and the little group was quickly piloted to the center of the rapidly contracting circle of fire. Here they gathered in the smallest compass possible, while the Scientist silently sought to touch the hem of the Christ, Truth. Then, at the word of direction, they entered a path which opened to them at that precise instant. This led them through the first cordon of fire to a somewhat similar spot some yards beyond. Here they found at least a momentary refuge. The one whom they had chosen as guide remained alertly observant. Soon further ground was gained by a similar advance. In this way, again and still again, they escaped from the very jaws of death, each time by a "way that they knew not" of, and always at the very moment necessary to their succor. Sometimes the way led through actual canyons of fire, whose precipitous walls were held back as by a mighty hand; but, notwithstanding these and other terrors of the way, they were prevailed upon to follow the path revealed to the one guiding them. By doing so all but one— and he refused to obey the word "Forward" in the very last dash— were saved.
