In scanning the history of mankind as revealed in the Bible, we find that many of its narratives tell of the lives of those who have passed through fiery trials and risen to higher planes of thought, and who through these experiences have become shining lights to all generations. In speaking of those "of whom the world was not worthy" Paul says, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

Frequently through trials and suffering the gold of human character is separated from the dross; then the true man, the man created in God's image and likeness, is brought to light. On page 278 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy says, "Those only who are tried in the furnace reflect the image of their Father." So, when passing through trying ordeals we may follow the example of Moses as he approached the burning bush, and take off our shoes,—lay aside material beliefs of life and intelligence as resident in matter,—and step reverently, for the ground upon which we tread is holy.

It was through bitter experience that Moses learned meekness and humility. The pride of power and of human intellect had to be overcome before, chastened and purified, he beheld the light of Truth revealing the way of salvation. Thus he became the great leader of his people, and it was after he ascended the mount which burned,—a further overcoming of materiality,—that his ears were attuned to hear again the voice of Truth. This revelation brought forth the ten commandments, upon which all law and gospel were founded. How often it is seen that not until we are tested and tried to the utmost do we rise above the material sense of live and hear the "still small voice" of Truth.

Isaiah says concerning the Messiah, "In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them." This prophecy was fulfilled in the life of Christ Jesus. Even he, the immaculate one, was "a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief." Those priceless words of wisdom contained in the Sermon on the Mount were proclaimed after the temptations encountered in the wilderness, and the full proof of life as indestructible and eternal was revealed after he rose above the shadow of the cross and the tomb. Yes, "with his stripes we are healed." Following in his footsteps we encounter, as he did, the world's resistance to the truth; but the Christ-man, being spiritual, is never touched by error.

It is the unwillingness of the human mind to part with material belief which causes all inharmony, and until each individual rises above the plane where the human will crosses the divine, his upward path is overshadowed by these material beliefs. Wrong purposes and selfish desires opposed to the will of God cause all human strife. The giving up of the human will may seem to bring darkness and desolation, but as this veil of material sense is torn asunder a brighter and more spiritual light dawns upon the vision; then the true man, the risen Christ, appears. All who look beyond the veil of the flesh may recognize this ideal man, who ever has been and ever will be at-one with the Father. Then we can say with Job, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," and with the Master, "I and my Father are one." Through this self-renunciation we are prepared for the descent of the Holy Ghost, the spiritual inspiration which brings to disciples of Truth today, as of old, the assurance and proof of God's omnipotence and healing power, casting out all error and establishing the brotherhood of man.

The great error in all human problems is the belief that there is a power apart from God. Just in proportion as His omnipotence is realized and this knowledge applied to everyday problems, happiness and success are manifested in human affairs. The world's problems are but a replica of individual ones. Out of all the seeming conflict and confusion which at times agitates the minds of mortals, the voice of Truth will eventually be heard; but not until all elements of discord, such as pride, anger, malice, envy, revenge, and the like, are uncovered and entirely consumed, can peace and holiness become paramount in the hearts of mankind. Jesus once said that he came to send fire upon the earth, adding, "What will I, if it be already kindled?" Jesus was referring to the truth which he had taught and practised, the truth that man always has existed and always will exist as God's image and likeness, pure and unfallen.

Then as now this truth was a rebuke to all that is unlike God, and it caused dissension in the hearts where pride and materiality reigned. Notwithstanding the trials and persecutions which beset his pathway, Jesus ever stood firm in his realization of man's identity as the son of God. Paul and other apostles were tested to the utmost, suffering many persecutions for Truth's sake. In this day and age another follower of the Master faced the anathemas of an ungrateful world with courage unshaken, as again the voice of Truth sounded forth its clarion notes and the "seven thunders uttered their voices;" but through every adverse circumstance which beset Mrs. Eddy during her earthly career she learned the omnipotence of divine Love and constantly proved the truth of the Master's teachings.

It is through the clearer understanding of Truth which they are gaining through the inspired teachings of Mrs. Eddy and the study of the Bible as illumined by the text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," that Christian Scientists are learning how to bring forth "signs following." They rejoice in this knowledge, and that they have learned how to "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" and there rest secure from all the attacks of error. They pray "Thy kingdom come," knowing that it has come, and affirm with assurance that God is omnipotent and ever present.

Then let us rejoice, though human experience may seem to have its Gethsemane and its Calvary, for it is even by these that we are uplifted to see the dawn of that brighter day when all earth born shadows will have melted away in the sunrise of Spirit, radiant with light from above. And with joyous song caught from strains of heavenly melody, we shall find our lives attuned to the perfect harmony of celestial being. Then with hearts aflame with the reflection of divine Love we shall reach out to our brother man, and the warmth of that touch will bring healing and blessing and make the whole world kin.