Article September 13, 1900 Issue

Material Destruction and Spiritual Construction

BY R. P. VERRALL

THE process of erecting one of the large buildings of modern times offers an apt symbol of practical Christian Science. In a large city, where the ground is already occupied, it is frequently necessary to pull down a number of small houses, that one large structure may be built. After this is done, excavations are commenced; all loose material, soft soil, and sand are removed, and eventually a reliable formation, perhaps rock, is reached. The surface has now to be prepared to receive the stone blocks and iron chairs on which will rest the vertical columns of the new building. In most cases a temporary fence of wood is made between the street and the building site, to avoid the interference of inquisitive people, and to prevent the workmen from being hindered by the distraction of surrounding objects.

These preparations having been made, the work of construction can now proceed. The parts have all been made at a distance and are brought to the spot to be placed in their relative positions. The perpendicular columns are first set up in their respective places and tested carefully by plumb-line and level; then come the iron girders, crossbeams, and joists, all bolted together and forming a metal frame work, or skeleton, which will soon be filled in with stone and brick. When this is done, an army of sculptors, decorators, and skilled mechanics are set to work to beautify the exterior and interior of the building. Modern inventions are introduced for heating and ventilating, and interior communication by bells, telephones, and elevators. The premises are now ready for occupation, and all who see this new triumph of art and industry admire its outline, proportions, and utility.

Having sketched this material symbol, let us draw from it the spiritual lessons that it has in store. In the mental development from sense into Soul, spiritual growth leads us into the recognition of our limited surroundings, and compels us to admit that our foundation is unsafe, and our dwellings unfit to meet present requirements. Having arrived at this conclusion, there is but one course to pursue, namely, to pull down the old beliefs of life, substance, and intelligence in matter, and start afresh on a spiritual foundation, which reveals the "house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens," "whose builder and maker is God." In Paul's first epistle to the Corinthians, he says, "Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is."

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