"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world . . . and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." These words of the Apostle John, although written centuries ago, are so applicable to present-day conditions in the world that one might almost accept them as the utterance of a modern writer of clear vision and sound reason. Now, as then, the claims of evil to presence and power are constantly being urged upon us, as human opinions and personalities seek place and attention.
To the lonely sentinel charged with keeping watch over the sleeping camp, the first requisite in faithful service may be said to be that of alertness. Ever vigilant lest the enemy come upon him unawares and do harm to his comrades or himself, he challenges all who come his way, to determine whether they be friends or foes. All must halt; all must give the proper countersign in order to enter the camp. Nothing escapes his attention; and none may pass until proved loyal and true.
Each one of us is a sentinel charged with keeping watch over our thoughts. Constantly alert lest the enemy enter and do harm, we too must challenge every "spirit" which comes to us; and if it be unable to give the countersign of good, we must instantly arrest it, try it, and if it is found to be a spy of the enemy, be instant in destroying it. To "try the spirits," and to learn whether or not "they are of God," is the duty of the genuine Christian Scientist, from whom is demanded unswerving loyalty to God, to our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, to the Cause which she has established, and to the Church Manual which she has given us for guidance and protection, and to all mankind.
