THE Apostle James admonished: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." Mary Baker Eddy, in the Christian Science text-book, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 584), defines "devil" in part as "evil; a lie; error; neither corporeality nor mind; the opposite of Truth." These statements show how important it is for the student of Christian Science diligently to resist every argument or suggestion of evil or error, and to declare with absolute faith and conviction the ever-presence of God, good, and the all-power of divine Mind.
If the individual who is striving to gain a clearer understanding of divine Science, and to rise higher in spiritual consciousness, finds that he is constantly confronted with the suggestions of error, he need not be dismayed or discouraged. These false claims or arguments cannot harm him or impede his spiritual advancement, unless he consents to them or admits that they have power and reality. Through resisting and overcoming erroneous suggestions, one not only gains dominion, but also receives the blessings which belong "to him that overcometh." Our Leader writes (Science and Health, p. 400), "By lifting thought above error, or disease, and contending persistently for truth, you destroy error." When the individual proves the potency of Truth to overcome any phase of error or mortal belief, he experiences the spiritual exaltation which invariably follows the demonstration of divine Principle.
Every student of Christian Science is engaged in a great work, for he is building in his own consciousness the spiritual understanding of divine Science, which is a sure defense against the claims of error or evil. In pursuing this work, the student needs to be vigilant in guarding against aggressive mental suggestion, which by devious methods would divert him from his high purpose and thus deprive him of the blessings and progressive experiences which result from earnest and active participation in righteous activity. Faithful adherence to divine Principle, and constant protective and constructive metaphysical work, will overcome every obstacle to right endeavor and spiritual progress. Spiritual alertness will assuredly enable the Christian Scientist to reject suggestions of fear, hatred, lust, or evil, those bandits of the mental realm which would, if possible, rob him of health, harmony, freedom, perfection, and substance.
