Article October 8, 1932 Issue

Tempered Mortar

META A. DAVIES

IN the thirteenth chapter of Ezekiel we are told that a wall daubed with "untempered morter" is unable to stand against an "overflowing shower," "hailstones," or "a stormy wind"; that because the mortar is untempered the wall must necessarily fall.

Among various compacting substances used in the buildings of Ezekiel's time, one of the firmest was made of sand, ashes, and lime well pounded, mixed, and sometimes coated with a certain kind of oil, so as to form a surface through which the water and weather could not penetrate. Oil, then, may be considered as one of the ingredients used in those days to temper the mortar used in building that which was required to withstand winds, storms, and other untoward conditions.

In the Glossary to the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 592) Mrs. Eddy gives this definition of "oil": "Consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration." What element of error could penetrate a life of "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration"? The winds, storms, hailstones, cares, and perplexities of material sense beat in vain against a life tempered with these qualities. The prophets and apostles proved, and every true Christian has to some extent proved, the protection, peace, and joy these bring to the one who is endeavoring to incorporate them in daily living.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

Scientific Education