Article December 18, 1915 Issue

"Oil out of the flinty rock"

ARTHUR L. WATERHOUSE

To those students of Christian Science who find themselves confronted by what seem to be insurmountable difficulties, there may be found much comfort in the thought of the spiritual advantage to be gained under such circumstances, for the more difficult the material condition may seem, the more obvious is the need of greater spiritual understanding; the darker the way the more need of light. In Deuteronomy there occurs this passage: "He made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock." Taken in connection with the definition of oil in the Christian Science text—book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, this statement will, when spiritually understood, prove a "lamp" indeed unto one's feet. The definition reads: "Oil. Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration" (Science and Health, p. 592).

When the Christian Scientist is opposed by what portends to be an evil power, stubbornly barring further progress, he may know that this is his opportunity to get "oil" from "the flinty rock;" to gain a higher spiritual understanding, a clearer sense of divine Truth and Love, which will add immeasurably to his treasure. He will surely gain from such a contest a higher "consecration," a "charity" that is ever kind, "gentleness" that pours itself into the wounds of the discordant, "prayer" that is ever more effective, and the "heavenly inspiration" that fills consciousness with peace. In the words of Haggai, "I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts."

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