AS we read and ponder the Biblical records, we learn many helpful lessons from the lives of the early prophets. In each successive period of those early days one figure usually stands out as a light that cannot be hid. Thus we see Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elijah, Elisha, Daniel, and others, in their respective day and age, occupying this outstanding position. In the life of each of these we see a characteristic self-forgetfulness, humility, strength, and a broad humanity, qualities which cannot fail to call forth our appreciation and respect, however gradual our own exemplification of them may be. The comforting fact is revealed in Christian Science that these spiritual and moral qualities belong to the real man, and that every one may express them demonstrably in proportion to his fidelity to Love and Truth. The time has come when it is being more clearly seen that all may gain and express the spirit of prophecy. It is plain that Moses expected that obedience to the law of God would insure the enjoyment of this spiritual sense;for he represents God as saying, "If ye will obey my voice indeed, ... ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation."
One of the outstanding characteristics which made these prophets equal to their great mission was their unselfish desire that all men should enjoy spiritual good in unlimited measure. This is beautifully illustrated in an incident in the experience of Moses, which occurred while he was leading Israel out of Egypt. In the eleventh chapter of Numbers, we learn how wisely he met and mastered the difficulties that arose when the multitude clamored for flesh. Moses proved that an understanding of God's power is equal to every emergency. At God's command he chose seventy elders, and this arrangement relieved him of many of the simpler duties; while the problems which were too difficult for the elders were brought to him. The seventy elders received more abundantly of the spirit of God, and they began to prophesy. Two men who had not been called by Moses, Eldad and Medad, remained in the camp; and they also prophesied. Joshua, as yet immature in spiritual understanding, asked Moses to rebuke these two; but instead of doing so, Moses lovingly rebuked him.
Moses knew that the spirit of prophecy belongs in reality to all. He himself had outgrown many of the beliefs which seem to obscure spiritual perception. His love for humanity was such that he longed to see every one enjoying the blessedness and peace which this true mental state insures. He would not suppress this spiritual sense; he would have it more fully expressed. His reply to Joshua makes this clear: "Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord's people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!"
