THROUGHOUT the times of which we have any record, humanity has been earnestly reaching out for divine protection, seeking to be delivered and released from its fears, its doubts, its difficulties, its sicknesses, its sins. As human thought became more clearly articulate in voicing its spiritual aspirations, the acknowledgment of divine protection was more fully expressed. Thus, even although humanity's perception of spiritual reality may have been immature, faith and spiritual aspiration, reaching out toward higher understanding, have laid hold of the priceless and comforting fact that God protects His creation, that God alone is our sure defense. Such a sentiment we find frequently expressed in the Psalms, and notably in the ninety-first psalm, which is so familiar to many. Therein the Psalmist sings: "He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
In the fourth and fifth chapters of the book of Judges we read of some of the struggles and victories of the children of Israel after they had entered the land of Canaan. The Israelites had but partially subdued the Canaanites, and at that particular time there was an especial need of meeting with a firm hand the aggressiveness of the inhabitants of Canaan. It was then that Deborah, "a mother in Israel," rose to the occasion in defense of her people. Through her firmness and fearlessness and her dependence on God, she, with the cooperation of Barak, met and overcame the attack of the Canaanites. This defense stands out as a striking example of the power of Truth to nullify the seeming attacks of error. Deborah and Barak tell of this decisive victory in their song, which is regarded as a fine specimen of early Hebrew poetry. It is not, however, because of its literary excellence that it is most to be prized, but rather because it voices spiritual inspiration, awakening thought to higher achievement.
In establishing the Cause of Christian Science our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, utilized the healing power of Truth, which she had discovered. Every activity of The Mother Church is one of healing, because every such activity affords the opportunity to express the spirit of Christ. The Manual of The Mother Church contains the rules for the practical application of Truth to the needs of humanity. It is a wise safeguard to the individual in his progressive demonstration of absolute Truth as contained in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. And, besides, the Manual provides an effectual defense for the Cause of Christian Science and for the individual Christian Scientist; indeed, it provides a model for all humanity.
