(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
St. Paul
IN answer to the question of some Roman soldiers as to how they might bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, John the Baptist replied, "Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages." When we remember that the Roman nation for eight hundred years had worshiped Mars, the god of war, we can understand the soldiers' difficulty in accepting the advice of this unorthodox teacher. Referring to the only legitimate method of permanent conquest, Jesus declared, "The meek . . . shall inherit the earth;" and at another time he said, "The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." Mrs. Eddy, in referring to this latter statement, adds, "Therefore are its spiritual gates not captured, nor its golden streets invaded" (Retrospection and Introspection, p. 106).
