Watching Point 446

446 — WATCH lest, when you find that Christian Science places a certain value on affliction, you believe that the reason for this is the same as is set forth by ministers who preach scholastic theology. There is a value in affliction which corresponds to the necessity to “fire” articles made of clay, in order to give them strength and endurance. A plate that had not been fired would hardly have strength to hold one’s dinner. One’s understanding of God may be correct as far as the letter goes, but only the fire of affliction can strengthen and crystallize it to the point where it is strong enough to endure, and win the Master’s crown.

First we adopt Science as a doctrine. Then comes the necessity to demonstrate it, to see whether we can hold our position when confronted by the arguments of error. At times the test takes the form of being confronted by individuals who are under the control of error, so that they appear to be offensive in the extreme. At such a time can we see that it is material sense that is the sinner, and not man? Can we impersonalize the claim sufficiently so that we can see the son of God where the mortal seems to be?

The following statements by Mrs. Eddy illustrate this point. “It is good to be afflicted, to drink in the experience by which we are made meet for the Master’s crown. Love is in itself a purifier, and if we reach its glorious behests, we must be purified in the process.” “The Christian Science student’s affection, fidelity and devotion are born in the furnace and blossom in wisdom won by experience. This is the price and reward of taking one’s treasure out of material vessels.” “Oh! how good it is to experience, to learn the meanings of God by what we suffer.” “It is good to be afflicted, when the results prove its uses.”