CHRISTIAN SCIENTISTS study the Bible in the light which the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," and Mrs. Eddy's other writings throw upon the endless subjects found therein. In pursuance of this privilege we find that in many passages the lesson which escapes cursory reading comes to light with new and helpful meaning.
One such passage, found in the book of Joel, presents a thought that is well worth careful consideration. The passage reads, "The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men."
In this verse Christian Scientists will find food for thought. It may be allegorically expressed, but what are we to think when we read it? Ordinarily, in following material pursuits, we might feel that a condition of drought and famine, such as is here vividly described, would cause joy to wither away from "the sons of men." But this is not what the prophet says. Let us consider the reason given, to see if it does not, at least in part, explain the appearance of discordant conditions: "Because joy is withered away from the sons of men"!
