Article April 10, 1926 Issue

"Strengthen your citadel"

VINCENT H. P. MOLTENO

The beginner in Christian Science is often tempted to employ his new-found freedom, and the power gained thereby, to engage in an offensive warfare against error abroad—that is to say, error which appears to him to result from the wrong thinking of others. Hard and oftentimes bitter experiences bring to his mistaken sense of the means and methods of divine Love the wisdom necessary to a right appreciation of the task before him, namely, that of destroying error at home, of silencing evil beliefs and suggestions claiming lodgment in his own consciousness.

When he is ready to settle down to this labor of love, and willing to part with the errors which constitute a false selfhood, he will be greatly rewarded by a close study of certain words of our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in her Dedicatory Sermon on page 2 of "Pulpit and Press." In a few sentences a mental picture is presented there which illustrates more accurately than could volumes the student's method of warfare in Christian Science. "Imagine yourselves in a poorly barricaded fort," we read, "fiercely besieged by the enemy. Would you rush forth single-handed to combat the foe? Nay, would you not rather strengthen your citadel by every means in your power, and remain within the walls for its defense? Likewise should we do as metaphysicians and Christian Scientists."

Not one of us but has realized at some time or other that we seem to be in "a poorly barricaded fort," a consciousness whose many breaches make of it an insecure dwelling, and scarcely a position from which to sally forth upon a crusade against unknown forces. We have found it wiser to make a thorough self-examination, that we may strengthen our present consciousness of good against the foe without by first removing the foe within. In this work of construction, and many times reconstruction, we must first eliminate, under the unerring direction of divine Mind, the unseen errors in thought, those spies within our gates which claim to be our friends, though secretly in league with the enemy, the beliefs of intelligent matter. Without this purification it is useless to attempt to build up the walls or repair the gates of our city. The lust of possession, of pride, and of human power must be turned out, to give freedom to pure intuitions and desires. This cleansing requires great patience and perseverance; for these errors conceal themselves in hidden corners, and disguise themselves in the robes of righteousness. But the means in our power are from the same source whence comes the earnest desire for consecration; and through the unity of divine Principle and right purpose we succeed.

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