The Self-Destruction of Error

In the sixth and seventh chapters of Judges there may be found a most helpful lesson for the Christian Scientist. It is the story of Gideon's attack upon and defeat of the Midianites. Considered metaphysically, it illustrates the operation of divine Principle as revealed in Christian Science, and shows how evil, or error, because it is the counterfeit of Truth, is always self-destroyed.

The children of Israel had grown careless about their religion: they fell to worshiping false gods; they lost sight of the pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night, which aforetime had led them into the land of peace and plenty; they were as scattered sheep without a shepherd; they had become apostate. In consequence of their backsliding they were filled with fear of their enemies, the Midianites; and they hid themselves from the invaders in the rocks and caves. The reign of terror kept up for seven years. There seemed no way of escape. In their extremity they prayed unto God for help.

Their prayer was answered; for suddenly there appeared "an angel of the Lord" to Gideon, who was threshing wheat "by the winepress." The angel urged Gideon to recruit an army from the Israelites and make war on the invaders. The command of the angel seemed to strike terror into the heart of Gideon. He protested, claiming that Israel was too weak and the enemy too strong for them. Thus to Gideon it seemed an impossible task to free his people. But the angel promised that the Lord would be with him. Still Gideon doubted, saying, "If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me." The sign was given him. He put a piece of fleece on the ground and secured the promise that next morning the fleece would be wet, while all the ground about would be dry. The miracle occurred; but in spite of it Gideon still doubted and asked for another sign; and another was given him: this time the fleece remained dry, while the ground became wet. Now he seemed to be convinced that the Lord would be with him. Encouraged by these divine signs, Gideon prepared for the battle.

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The Universal Need
August 27, 1927
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