As described in Revelation, John beheld "a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads." This dragon was of such proportions that its tail caused a blackout of a third part of the stars of heaven. A horn has sometimes been regarded as a weapon of offense; a crown is a token of power. Taken together they symbolize the belief that power is obtained through material force. The dragon with ten horns may indicate for us today the false assumption that the Ten Commandments can be totally disregarded and a "new order" established for society which shall include no moral restraint upon those who through force of arms have conquered and subjugated their fellow men. On page 563 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy explains that "this dragon stands for the sum total of human error." She further says, "The ten horns of the dragon typify the belief that matter has power of its own, and that by means of an evil mind in matter the Ten Commandments can be broken."

The red dragon stands for anti-Christ, the antipode of Christianity, the direct opposite of everything taught by the Master. It is this monstrous anti-Christian lie which today is attempting to engulf humanity in a surging flood of paganistic propaganda, and by acts of terrorism and aggression to gain control over the world.

Part of the beloved apostle's vision above described is now being brought to pass, and the complete picture will be fulfilled in human experience when the world is ready for progress and learns through Christian Science how to overcome the belief in and fear of evil. John, in foretelling the salvation of all men, foresaw the end of the dragon—slain "by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." "The blood of the Lamb" annihilates falsehood and error. "The word of their testimony" is the proof that Truth is being understood, and therefore that the rights of man in God's image are being recognized and demonstrated.

One of the most important points to be learned in the study of Christian Science is that evil is not power. Through the ages the Ten Commandments have stood as a beacon light, pointing the path of moral rectitude for all people. Many attempts have been made to abridge or annul them; but every attempt has been followed by such a chain of errors that society for its own preservation has been compelled to turn again to the law which was enunciated from Mount Sinai.

The plain fact is that the Commandments set forth the law of God—the law which cannot be put aside by human will or mortal scheming. Mrs. Eddy has written in Science and Health (p. 102):"Mankind must learn that evil is not power. Its so-called despotism is but a phase of nothingness." She also says (ibid., p. 192): "The good you do and embody gives you the only power obtainable. Evil is not power. It is a mockery of strength, which erelong betrays its weakness and falls, never to rise."

Evil can have no power because God, good, is the only power. A lie cannot continue in the face of Truth. That which is not supported by Principle must fall before genuine spirituality. God is omnipotent! When this fact becomes apparent the spurious claims put forward by the anti-Christ will be overcome. Evil can have no existence where the all-power of God is recognized and seen to motivate thought and action. The world must relinquish all belief in error's potency, all confidence in unscientific methods to accomplish good ends. In proportion as this is done, the fear of evil will depart.

One cannot fear that which he knows is powerless to harm him. When the utter nothingness of error is understood, the mesmeric fear which today seems to hang over the nations like a dark cloud will be lifted, and mankind will dwell in the sunshine of divine Truth and Love.

In this world crisis a solemn obligation rests on all who name the name of Christ, for to them falls the task of awakening the people to the fraudulent nature of the evil that would seek to dominate our civilization. Christian Scientists, equipped as they are with a demonstrable knowledge of Truth, should not fail to add "the word of their testimony" to that of other Christians. In doing this, it is helpful to realize that "one on God's side is a majority." In mathematics, a positive "one" is larger than any minus numeral that can be devised. The prayers of one spiritually-minded individual, when directed toward preserving the rights and liberties of mankind, are a positive force for righteousness, and as such can definitely help to annul all the negative claims put forward by satanic suggestion.

Although he may be far from the scene of conflict, the prayers of such an individual will avail much. The lives of dear ones in the service, and, for that matter, the lives of all who are fighting for freedom, will be protected and preserved as one realizes the omnipresent, protective power of Love. Victory rests on the banners of those who are standing firmly for the right.

The world has need of its freedom-inspired armies and navies. They are at present essential instruments for compelling recalcitrant nations to respect the rights of humanity. We may look upon them as a police force in the act of establishing international law and order. When all peoples come to understand the power of righteousness and the blessings of peace, military organizations and equipment will no longer be needed. Then will be brought to pass the prophecy of Isaiah and Micah: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."

Copyright, 1943, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, One, Norway Street, Boston, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918. Published every Saturday