Article October 31, 1936 Issue

"Suffer it to be so now"

GEORGE H. FLEBBE

The words, "Suffer it to be so now," were spoken by Jesus in answer to John's question when the Master came to him for baptism. Referring to this incident, Mrs. Eddy points out in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 56) that "Jesus' concessions (in certain cases) to material methods were for the advancement of spiritual good." However, we sometimes find his words interpreted as giving consent to the continuation of false habits and sin in various forms, even to the covering of a multitude of sins. It is also used at times as a cloak for the use of material remedies, usages which controvert Jesus' dictum, "No man can serve two master."

Whenever we feel that the words, "Suffer it to be so now," should be applied to conditions or circumstances confronting us, it is well to make sure that true wisdom is making the decision. A very careful search must assure us that there are no hidden errors to influence us, such as love of ease, superficiality, unwillingness to stir things up, selfishness, fear of unpleasantness, resentment, and so forth, which cause us to put off the effort involved in taking definite steps toward overcoming a wrong condition.

Mrs. Eddy's writings are very clear on this point. It was far from her thought to permit error or evil to continue because correction might produce unpleasant consequences. In Science and Health (p. 317) we find the following statement: "Whosoever lives most the life of Jesus in this age and declares best the power of Christian Science, will drink of his Master's cup. Resistance to Truth will haunt his steps, and he will incur the hatred of sinners, till 'wisdom is justified of her children.;"

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