Editorial November 30, 1940 Issue

Tests and Trials

George Shaw Cook

If we are to progress in the understanding and demonstration of Christian Science, we must be willing to undergo tests of our faith, by means of which we prove our knowledge of Truth to be demonstrable, and adequate to meet our needs.

It has long been the custom in educational institutions to set apart times for tests or examinations. This is for the purpose of determining whether the pupil or student has gained correct knowledge of the subject on which he is being examined. Such times of test are not always welcomed by pupils, and sometimes they may be regarded by them as altogether unnecessary. Even teachers may differ as to their value. Nevertheless, when an examination has been successfully passed by a student, it is a cause for rejoicing on his part, and gives him increased confidence with which to pursue his studies.

Similarly we, as students of Christian Science, should be willing, if testing times come, to meet the tests with equanimity and regard them as opportunities to prove the demonstrable nature of what we have learned. On page 66 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says: "Trials are proofs of God's care. Spiritual development germinates not from seed sown in the soil of material hopes, but when these decay, Love propagates anew the higher joys of Spirit, which have no taint of earth. Each successive stage of experience stage of experience unfolds new view of divine goodness and love."

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