Article February 8, 1930 Issue

Our Fortress

GEORGE R. LOWE

The Christian warfare is both defensive and offensive, or active. The sense of goodness as real, which is gained by the acceptance of Christian precept, has to be proved in practice, and defended against the seeming attacks of evil. These two phases of upbuilding Christian character are essential, and work together as integral factors in the process of spiritual growth. Fidelity and steadfastness cooperate with initiative, constructiveness, courage; for all spiritual qualities coalesce in the Christ, Truth, the manifestation of God, divine Mind.

The necessity of these spiritual qualities in Christian service is graphically illustrated by certain passages in the book of Nehemiah, descriptive of the successful rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, despite bitter, persistent, and subtle opposition. In the fourth chapter it is narrated that after half the work was finished, half of the servants "wrought in the work" and half of them held the spears and other weapons, and that they who builded the wall, "every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded."

As Christian Scientists, we certainly must be on guard to hold fast whatever we have gained of good, in order to be prepared to speed the realization of greater goodness in human consciousness. Sometimes our defenses may seem weak, only half built. In her "Dedicatory Sermon" in "Pulpit and Press" Mrs. Eddy writes (p. 2): "Imagine yourselves in a poorly barricaded fort, 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." This is not pusillanimous, but points to an honest discretion which is truly "the better part of valour." Wisdom and courage are allies. We may be sure that David, who knew the Lord as his defense, his strength, and his salvation, as "a very present help in trouble," also knew by faithful practice and training in preparedness how to use the means at hand. Mrs. Eddy further tells us how we are to do this Christianly scientific work, how to defend our heritage, namely (ibid.), "by intrenching ourselves in the knowledge that our true temple is no human fabrication, but the superstructure of Truth, reared on the foundation of Love, and pinnacled in Life."

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