When the inspired prophets of the Old Testament received their wonderful revelations of Truth, these visions were frequently recorded in language which was symbolic. In the New Testament the statement of the truth became clearer. Contrasting this greater "plainness of speech" with the veil of mystery which covers much of the Old Testament writings, Paul said: "And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, ... for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart."
In our own day Mary Baker Eddy has removed the veil completely. The world had advanced out of the darkness of mysticism and symbolism so far that it was ready in some degree to accept scientific teaching in the field of religion.
Jesus knew and demonstrated the absolute truth, but because of the spiritual ignorance of the people he often found it necessary to present his teaching to them in the form of parables. When asked by his disciples why he did so, he gave the reason (Matt. 13:11), "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." But even after his disciples had enjoyed three years of his instruction and close companionship, he had to tell them (John 16:12), "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now."
