In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 216), Mrs. Eddy writes, "Spirituality lays open siege to materialism." Then she asks this searching question, "On which side are we fighting?" The Christian Scientist who faces this question daily, and who endeavors with each passing moment to enlist on the side of absolute Truth as revealed by Mrs. Eddy, makes rapid gain in his course toward spiritual living. The determination to work with conviction, intelligence, and cheerfulness for the betterment of the human race is the highest ambition which mankind can cherish. Such endeavor, when guided into right avenues by the study of Christian Science, is in conformity with the loving counsel of Christ Jesus, given for all time and to all men, "Feed my sheep."

Since "the Lord God omnipotent reigneth," there is but one side upon which we may truly enlist—God's side. The Bible and the Christian Science textbook provide clear and definite rules for us to follow in every phase of our warfare. In addition to the ten great laws revealed to Moses are many other commandments in the Scriptures, all in harmony with the Mosaic Decalogue and all imperative in their demands. When kept in thought these afford unspeakable help and comfort to mankind in daily living. One tender admonition, much beloved by all Christian Scientists, is found in the forty-sixth Psalm: "Be still, and know that I am God." No matter how difficult a situation one may seem to be facing, this counsel, obeyed, brings calm and poise. We discover that we do not have to wait for a quiet hour, or an undisturbed spot, in which to realize the presence of God, but that right on the battle line of daily experience we can recognize His allness. Such knowing is true prayer.

In the fourteenth chapter of John we find another uplifting commandment: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." This was given us by Christ Jesus, who recognized the fear latent in human consciousness. Obedience to his admonition stills frightened sense and covers the human need. Fear cannot persist in the consciousness of those who, through Christian Science, are learning at all times to rely upon God. No cloud of the past, no doubt of what today may bring forth, no trembling searching of tomorrow, can confuse those who are determined to abide in Truth. When with certain knowledge of God's allness we face the lurking thought that would try to make us afraid, we soon discover that fear seems to have only the power which we ascribe to it. Fear always disappears when there is no admission of error upon which it may feed.

In I Thessalonians we read this command: "Walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." Patience, endurance, and watchfulness in taking the human footsteps, which Mrs. Eddy tells us are necessary, must be practiced daily if we would obey this commandment and receive its reward.

On page 167 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "Our proportionate admission of the claims of good or of evil determines the harmony of our existence,—our health, our longevity, and our Christianity." The continuity of good is a fundamental fact which cannot be disturbed by the seeming forces of evil, regardless of what phase they may assume. The manifestation of hate has no reality, whether it declare itself as a war or a personal quarrel. Health is the truth of existence, and we do not need to listen to arguments about its assumed opposite. Even though the world may argue for business depression and consequent material lack, infinite supply is ever at hand. Lawlessness does not in reality control human affairs, for God's law is ever present and ever active. The admission of the claims of good only, in accordance with Mrs. Eddy's statement, will break any dream of discord.

Clear vision comes to those who are standing on God's side, and we must be persistent in this allegiance. We do not find the Christ when listening to the evil suggestions of the carnal mind. Unjust criticism of our brother, irritability over trivial annoyances, indifference to the interests of our neighbor, must be put aside, and positive, vigorous right thinking substituted. Dwelling on past unhappiness, something that was never real, must be abandoned.

In our endeavors to prove the omnipotence of God we may be very sure that angels—"God's thoughts," as Mrs. Eddy defines them in part (Science and Health, p. 581)—are ever at hand, nearer than we realize. Christian Scientists find that as consciousness is opened to these messengers the sense of the nearness of the Christ increases. We need to watch constantly for the revelation of divine Mind, and if we are faithful in listening to the truth we shall have no time for the contemplation of material errors. Calm and steady communion with God stills all unworthy aims and will solve every problem.

A very beautiful, comforting, and practical promise in the twenty-fifth Psalm reads, "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant." This covenant is ever active, and we have but to avail ourselves of its protection. Surely we can trust ourselves to God's protecting care! He who walks close to God finds the saving power whose victory over every form of error is a divine certainty.

We must prove faithful to the healing message which Mrs. Eddy has given to the world, and let our lives show that we understand it by following the truth. In the light of Christian Science no corroding fear of the past was ever for an instant necessary or real. The present is under God's guidance, the future in His keeping. Let us lift our eyes in loving trust, and make sure that we are fighting on the right side, the side of spirituality.