The voice of God may be heard by men. Writing on page 308 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy says, "The Soul-inspired patriarchs heard the voice of Truth, and talked with God as consciously as man talks with man." An outstanding instance of this was the case of Moses before "the bush [that] burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." It is recorded, in the third chapter of Exodus, that "God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I." Then it is told that God spoke with Moses, instructing him as to the manner of the delivery of the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, and that Moses had his doubts and fears removed, after expressing them in the presence of the Lord.
Another notable instance was that of Samuel, who as a child "ministered unto the Lord before Eli" in the temple. After hearing the voice of the Lord call him (Samuel) by name three times, "Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child." Then, finally, "the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth." It is noteworthy that in these instances when the voice of God was heard, there was also the power to speak with God.
Long after the times of Moses and Samuel there appeared one far more attuned to Truth than either of them,—Christ Jesus. According to the gospels, it was habitual with the Master to commune with God. Frequently he withdrew from his followers for this very purpose. And it was upon these occasions he derived that inspiration which enabled him to carry on the mighty work of healing the sick and the sinning and bringing to mankind the truths of immortal Being, sometimes against the bitterest of opposition. What a vivid picture is presented to us as the Nazarene stands before the tomb of Lazarus, his friend! After the stone had been taken away, "Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always." Then, as if a mighty realization of the truth of the eternality of Life had come to him, he called on Lazarus to "come forth." And Lazarus rose from the dead.
