In the Psalms it is recorded that the children of Israel were required to sing the songs of Zion while they were in captivity in a strange land. The lesson of rejoicing in the presence of tribulation is one that the human race is still far from having learned. How may we learn this lesson, and thus satisfy the yearning for peace and joy, which is as old as humanity itself? The persistency with which the human mind clings to the conviction that such satisfaction is to be found only in materiality is doubtless the primary reason for continued disappointment and disillusionment. It is, however, encouraging to note that in the perplexing period through which the world is passing today there are promising singns that humanity is recognizing that release from bondage to sorrow and despair can come only by reliance on Spirit.
The upward trend of human thought evidences the vital influence of Christian Science. By revealing God as the infinite source of all good, it is bringing to mankind a knowledge of genuine peace and happiness and their availability. even in times of seeming desolation. It removes the ugly mask which presents man as sick, sinning, and dying, subject to sorrow, loss, and failure, and reveals him as the image and likeness of God, the direct recipient of spiritual good. including imperishable joy and gladness.
In the Glossary in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives a definition of "children of Israel" which indicates that this term refers to those "who, having wrestled with error, sin, and sense, are governed by divine Science"(p.583). In the same chapter (p.599) the word "Zion" is defined in part as "spiritual foundation and superstructure; inspiration; spiritual strength. The spiritual illumination imparted by these and other interpretative passages in Science and Health is enabling students of Christian Science to accept the spiritual basis and to build thereon a superstructure of right scientific thinking. Is not this spiritual understanding likened in Jesus' parable to the house which was built upon the rock, against which the floods of ignorant, mesmeric mortal belief beat in vain? Correction of false human concepts leads to victory over corporeal selfhood, and a clearer recognition of the true status of man follows.
