Strange as it may seem at this late day in human history, a good deal of regret for the decadence of the military spirit has been expressed in some magazines, both religious and secular. Some educators also say that a weak type of character is apt to result when children are not taught from the earliest years to defend their rights. The world is undoubtedly in a transition period, so far as ideals are concerned, and men rightly ask for opportunities to try methods other than those which have so signally failed to advance humanity in the past. While self-seekers are always the most noisy and assertive, there are many who are quietly and unselfishly working for the universal good, and they are sure to win in the end. It is certain that the world has not yet reached the stage where all conflict can cease and universal peace be proclaimed, and the vital question for us is this, What methods will most truly and effectively advance mankind provide for the needs of the race morally, intellectually, and physically, and most speedily bring in the universal reign of right?
St. Paul had a comprehensive knowledge of the ways of his time, the religious and political systems of both Jews and Romans. He spent two years as a religio-political prisoner in the Roman fortress at Cesasrea, and later "preached Christ" in Rome while chained by the wrist to a soldier of the imperial guard. This unique experience seems to have resulted in mutual respect and helpfulness, for we find Paul's letters to the churches colored by his close association with the soldiers. He compares the Christian's service with the strenuous life of those brave men, and we find him saying to Timothy, "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ;" and to the Corinthians, "We do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)" That these weapons were indeed mighty, results proved. One by one Paul's guards went back to the household of Nero, carrying with them the life-giving message of Truth, and though that household was darkened by nameless iniquities, the light of Truth illumined it so that later we find Paul sending to the Philippians greetings from the "saints ... of Caesar's household." We have at least one reference to a "devout soldier," and it is a matter of history that many of these men became followers of Christ and carried the gospel into all parts of Europe.
All through our revered Leader's writings we are shown the necessity for the warfare against evil and the distinction between the true warfare and the false (See Science and Health, p. 568.) In "Miscellaneous Writings (p. 118) she points to "self-ignorance, self-will, self-righteousness, lust, covetousness, envy, revenge," as the enemies that are to be "met manfully and overcome;" and she adds, "Be of good cheer; the warfare with one's self is grand." There is certainly no danger that a flabby type of character will be produced as a result of this warfare; rather will it be of the heroic mold which faces undaunted perils, privations, and vigils,—anything, so that Christ shall triumph and humanity be freed from its long bondage to sin, disease, and death. The Spartans were taught to despise hardship and pain. Christian Scientists are taught to endure hardship and to overcome pain, even as they overcome sin, by the understanding of divine Truth.
