Article September 14, 1912 Issue

LOSS COUNTED GAIN

KENNETH B. ELLIMAN.

In its natural state gold is generally found mixed with impurities, or dross as it is called, of many kinds. After the ore is reduced to small particles by crushing, the whole mass is subjected to great heat, until the impurities pass away by evaporation. This process of melting practically destroys the dross, but it does not hurt the gold. The human consciousness in its "natural" state consists likewise of some pure thought and much dross of materiality, such as fear, hatred, pride, and self-righteousness. These elements are all so mingled that the dweller in this consciousness is unable without spiritual aid to separate the gold from the dross. Help comes to him when he begins to long for Truth and to get a glimpse of Principle, for then trials of different sorts arise,—temptation, sorrow, and suffering. These tend to crush mortal thought and throw it into what is sometimes called metaphorically "the furnace of affliction;" and, as in the case of the gold, this refining process liberates thought from earthly impurities.

When one is passing through this stage of experience, he often fears that he is going to lose something valuable,—life, substance, or happiness; but these are spiritual, and are therefore the pure gold of human possession, which cannot be lost. When in fear of loss or defeat, we can always remember Paul's assurance to the Corinthians, that "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape." Christian Science, as taught by Mrs. Eddy, shows us that "man is not material; he is spiritual" (Science and Health, p. 468); so that whatever in our consciousness is not spiritual must be lost in order that the real man may appear. When trials come, we shall not, if we are wise, struggle to hold on to anything but the spiritual. Whatever is spiritual really belongs to us and can never be lost, and our real selves can be purified and strengthened only by the purifying process. Those who know this can never be discouraged, for when sorrow or trouble comes to them they realize that "trials are proofs of God's care" (Science and Health, p. 66), and having gained some understanding of God through Christian Science, they can work together with divine Truth and Love in freeing themselves from everything "that defileth ... or maketh a lie," and be thankful for the help which these experiences furnish in separating the gold from the dross.

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LOSS COUNTED GAIN

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