The Bible story of the “fiery furnace” (see Dan., chap. 3) is full of lessons to be heeded by those active in the practice and teaching of Christian Science.
The story depicts three men whom Daniel, with the authority given to him from King Nebuchadnezzar, selected to govern the affairs of the province of Babylon. The aggressive tentacles of materialism, human pride, and jealousy sought to destroy the spiritually based work of these men, when it was decreed that all people must bow down and worship a golden image made by King Nebuchadnezzar. However, the three Jewish men disregarded the mandate. Instead they continued to pray to God in whom they placed complete reliance.
Prior to these men being sent to the inferno, the keepers were instructed to heat the furnace seven times hotter than normal. The obvious intent was not only to end their lives, but to completely eliminate any evidence of their existence.
