ONE of the problems uppermost in the thoughts of men today is the problem of defense against invasion of human rights and freedom. The forces of evil are continually seeking to destroy the peace and prosperity of nations; they foment national disagreements and cause economic distress. This problem of defense concerns every citizen who is called upon to contribute to the protection of his country. Liberty, honor, and individual rights are enjoyed only as righteous government is brought into human affairs.

The Christian Scientist feels he has much to contribute toward the safety of humanity, for the teachings of Christian Science given by Mary Baker Eddy, its Discoverer and Founder, help him to a correct solution of his problems. There is no problem that cannot be solved by the aid of Christian Science, and the Christian Scientist takes every problem, great or small, to divine Love in order to find a correct answer.

The Scriptures tell of the perils which beset the Israelites of old, and thus we learn that the problem of defense against evil is not a new one. It has been solved as the result of spiritual means, and is being solved today through the consecrated efforts of spiritually-minded and alert thinkers. Leaders of old sought safety in God for themselves and their people. This brought them the needful protection in times of war and danger.

In the Old Testament we read of God's loving guidance and protection of the children of Israel when they were pursued by the hosts of Pharaoh in their flight from bondage and heavy labor in Egypt. The pursuers were swallowed up by the waters which had acted as walls of protection to the Israelites. In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy has written (p. 200), "Moses advanced a nation to the worship of God in Spirit instead of matter, and illustrated the grand human capacities of being bestowed by immortal Mind." Moses sought defense and protection in God. He earnestly strove to follow divine leading, and he guided the Israelites through many years of tribulation in the wilderness. Through the inspired thought of their great leader they were brought from slavery to freedom.

The lad David knew something of spiritual protection when confronted by ferocious beasts while keeping watch over his father's sheep. When the time came for him to help in the defense of his king and fellow countrymen, he put on the armor of God with which to meet the invader of peace and harmony.

Paul wrote to the people of Corinth, "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." The greatest shield and defense for the individual and nation is the power of God, the spiritual armor which delivered David out of the hand of the giant Goliath, enabling him to meet the aggressive threats of evil with strength and courage. He refused to let the fear of evil invade his consciousness, and in this mental state he felt safe and assured of the powerlessness of the enemy.

These Scriptural illustrations give us hope and encouragement in our daily warfare with the opposing beliefs of the carnal mind. The invader of peace is the mortal, finite belief in fear, envy, hate, malice, greed, and so forth, against which we need to keep constant watch. Our mental and moral freedom cannot be infringed or encroached upon by the invading and offensive beliefs of the carnal mind, when we are manifesting "the mind of Christ." In Mind, God, there is no fear, war, anxiety, or enmity of any kind, but love, peace, and joy prevail. When we manifest these Godlike qualities, we can ward off the attacks of error. It is Love which enables us to resist the aggressor, mortal mind, with its disrupting forces of evil and craftiness, which are powerless before divine Mind. Paul tells us that "the carnal mind is enmity against God," and it is in this warfare with the invader that mortals are engaged.

A young man was recently asked why he was joining the Christian Science church. His answer was, "As part of my defense and preparedness plan." This young man knew that membership in the Christian Science church would help to prepare his thought for defending himself and his country in the present world crisis of tumult and war. Mental preparedness comes to the Christian Scientist through his study of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, for in this way he is made ready to meet and master the suggestions of error. In the Manual of The Mother Church, which she provided for the government of her Church and followers, our Leader writes (Art. VIII, Sect. 6): "It shall be the dutyof every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion, and not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind. By his works he shall be judged,—and justified or condemned." The Christian Scientist thus daily defends his thoughts from the invasion of false beliefs of fear and doubt about man and the universe. Like David of old, he finds security in reliance on God, rather than in material protection; he trusts in Truth as his deliverer and defense at all times. Thus he supports and contributes to the defense of men and nations on the most effective basis. Readiness to submit all our affairs to the guidance of divine Love brings peace and security; and when we are subservient to the will of God we can say with the Psalmist: "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."