IN the dim and distant past, a great spiritual fact dawned on the consciousness of a single individual of the human race, and then disappeared from the ken of mankind for long ages. This was the fact of pre-existence or the spiritual, eternal origin of man.
It is recorded in the Bible that Abram and his servants, on their return from their victory over the four kings, were met by Melchizedek, who is described as King of Salem and priest of the most high God. There is nothing in the account given in Genesis to suggest that Melchizedek was less a historical personage than Abram. It is related that he blessed Abram and brought out "bread and wine" for his refreshment, and that on his part Abram gave him tithes as a recognition of his superior status. The mystery which is commonly associated with the name of Melchizedek is derived from the description given of him in the epistle to the Hebrews, "King of peace; without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God." Through Mrs. Eddy's wonderful discovery of Christian Science students of this Science recognize the fact that this description is absolutely true of the spiritual selfhood of each one of us; for we know that there is but one Life, and that, God; that this Life being eternal, we have never had "beginning of days, nor end of life," and that the time has come when, rising above the mists of mortality, we may indeed see ourselves as the sons of God.
As Mrs. Eddy says on page 333 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "Abraham, Jacob, Moses, and the prophets caught glorious glimpses of the Messiah, or Christ;" but as they did not understand the Science which underlay these spiritual revelations, they were unable to explain them to others.
