Editorial April 1, 1944 Issue

The Secret and Open Attack, Powerless

Evelyn F. Heywood

In her article entitled "An Allegory," on page 323 of "Miscellaneous Writings," Mary Baker Eddy describes the journey of one whom she designates as a Stranger, which started from "'a city set upon a hill,' a celestial city above all clouds, in serene azure and unfathomable glory."

The Stranger had a great work to perform. He had to descend from this hill, above all clouds, in order to uncover every form of evil which lurked or strutted in the valley below. Let it be borne in mind that he started forth from a city set upon a hill—the illustration which Jesus gave to his disciples as their example. He who closely follows the journey of the Stranger will realize that, whatever the condition he encountered, the consciousness of the celestial city never left him. From this divine altitude of spiritual knowing, he dealt with every phase of evil which presented itself. In speaking of his experience Mrs. Eddy writes, "Venomous serpents hide among the rocks, beasts of prey prowl in the path, wolves in sheep's clothing are ready to devour; but the Stranger meets and masters their secret and open attacks with serene confidence."

Today mankind finds itself forced to face, to deal with, and finally to overcome many aspects of open and secret evil, uncovered by Truth. Nations which are claiming they can exercise occult power in producing or eliminating mortal phenomena according as their military or naval requirements dictate; nations which boast of hypnotic influences that can be let loose to darken and confuse the minds of their enemies; nations which believe that the ceaseless pouring out of lies intended to encourage their own people and sow distrust amongst all who oppose them can bring them success—such are problems which the Stranger, whom we know to be the ever-present Christ, is called upon to meet in our day.

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