THE statesmen of the world are searching for means whereby to cure the misery of the nations. They are experimenting with civic theories, hoping for satisfactory results from untested programs. They are bringing to bear upon national ills the utmost efforts of human mercy. Yet these efforts are not sufficient to deliver a desperate world from tragedy. Spiritual vision is needed, for it is stated in Holy Writ that without such help the people perish.
As present-day planners seek inspiration from the Bible, they will find vital aid in the words of St. John, words which augur heavenly help for men in every age. In the last chapter of Revelation, St. John writes that he received prophetic sight of "a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
Metaphysical explanation of the word "river," which aids in the understanding of St. John's reference, is given in the Glossary of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 585), wherein Mary Baker Eddy defines in part the Euphrates, the great river mentioned in Genesis, as "Divine Science encompassing the universe and man." Divine Science issues "out of the throne of God and of the Lamb," out of the supreme authority of infinite Mind and its idea. It flows not through lands but through ages. Its waters are unadulterated by human theories, unpolluted by mortal tendencies. They are crystal-clear with spiritual elements, entirely free from the silt of materiality. Only out of such waters can come the divine remedy for the nations' ills that St. John visioned.
