Article January 8, 1944 Issue

Panoplied in Love

ISRAEL PICKENS

One Wednesday evening a Reader in a branch church read for one of his citations from the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, these words (p. 571): "Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred cannot reach you."

A number of soldiers from a near-by Cadet Training Center for the Army Air Force were present. As the Reader read that reference, a young airman turned towards the girl at his side, his face alight. He plainly said by his expression: "You see? That's what it is—that's why I'm safe." That comforting assurance from our loved textbook was just the message of Truth to give solid conviction to that young man's unfolding faith.

One definition, according to Webster, of the word "panoply" is "anything forming a bright or magnificent covering." The word is from the Greek panoplia, derived from pas, meaning "all," and hopla, meaning "armor." It had particular reference to the bright and shining suits of armor that were used in the days when knighthood was in flower. The covering was a complete armored protection from head to foot.