Article October 17, 1931 Issue

Weapons of Victory

JOSEPH CARL MARKSTEIN

The victory of David over Goliath, in its proof that the seeming might of materiality symbolized by Goliath was powerless before Truth demonstrated, is a source of unending inspiration to Bible students. Saul, mesmerized by the seeming strength of the material armor and weapons of Goliath, would have armed and protected David likewise, but David refused Saul's armor, for he had not proved it. He said to Goliath, "Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel." We read, "There was no sword in the hand of David," for his full reliance was on God. His weapon was a sling and a stone, and his faith rested in the omnipotence of God.

The true understanding of God is made plain through the teachings of Christian Science, and we too can come into every contest with error "in the name of the Lord of hosts." Every right thought entertained, every reflection of Love, is a potent spiritual weapon. Every understanding declaration of Truth, every treatment, goes forth "in the name of the Lord of hosts;" and no material sword, spear, or shield can prevail against spiritual power. David's immediate victory over Goliath should spur us on to greater efforts to attain the full demonstration of the power of Spirit in instantaneous healing; but, should healing be delayed, no sense of discouragement should be allowed to enter thought. On the contrary, we should grasp more firmly and wield more effectually the weapons which are ours.

Those who, perhaps discouraged by a long-delayed healing, mesmerized by the seeming tenaciousness of some claim of error, are tempted to turn to material methods of healing, may gain from this narrative strength for victory. Mrs. Eddy writes on page 167 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," the Christian Science textbook, "Only through radical reliance on Truth can scientific healing power be realized." David's reliance on Truth was radical, and certainly complete deliverance was manifested. One cannot serve two masters; reliance must be on Spirit alone. Right reliance on Truth cannot fail to bring victory, regardless of the claimed might of error.

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October 17, 1931
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