THE world is indebted to physical science for two most important lessons, namely, that all law is to be verified by practical demonstration, and that we command, are able to utilize, law in the measure that we obey it. The goal of the spiritual life is the apprehension of divine law by each one for himself. Until this is reached he must be instructed by experience, or by those who know more of Truth.
This thought of the significance of obedience is well illustrated in the story of the capture of Jericho. In reading the narrative, one can but think of the impression which the strange and spectacular exhibition presented by the circumventing Israelites must have made upon the inhabitants of the city. Had it not been for the fear the invading horde awakened, they would surely have looked down with wondering amusement upon this seven-day performance. Even to many of the Israelites themselves the program entered upon by Joshua's command may have seemed queer if not utterly foolish; but they had learned to obey, though blindly, and in the outcome they must have realized, as do we, the importance of obedience to recognized authority.
This state of tutelage is normal and wholesome, provided it does not remain permanent. Obedience to human authority becomes a disadvantage to the spiritual life the moment we become content to be led by others and no longer seek to know God and His law for ourselves. Said the Master, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord [conforms to a traditional order], shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father." Further, spiritual advance calls for much more than mere teachableness; it is a question of whom we are content to obey. St. Paul puts this strongly when he says, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
