Loyalty to the clearly defined standard of Truth and undeviating allegiance to divine Mind are the Christian Scientist's vital obligation, as is made clear throughout the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the inspired Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science. On page 183 of the textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," she says: "Divine Mind rightly demands man's entire obedience, affection, and strength. No reservation is made for any lesser loyalty. Obedience to Truth gives man power and strength. Submission to error superinduces loss of power."
Among many interesting and instructive chronicles in the Scriptures dealing with the disastrous effects of halfhearted obedience to God, none is more direct or more pointed in its hopeful appeal than the battle narrative recorded in the seventh and eighth chapters of the book of Joshua. Because of the transgression of one individual, the fighting expedition of the children of Israel failed in its first attempt to capture the city of Ai.
This humiliating defeat was most discouraging to the Israelites, since it came almost at the very beginning of their proposed conquest of Canaan. They murmured among themselves. They questioned the wisdom of the step they had taken in coming forth from the other side of Jordan only to face the possibility of being delivered into the hand of the enemy. They began to mistrust their leader, to doubt their God.
