Mary Baker Eddy says in her "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 100), "Science speaks when the senses are silent, and then the evermore of Truth is triumphant." Men and women everywhere have always sought Truth, but only those spiritually-minded enough to seek above mistaken beliefs of a matter world have glimpsed it. The account given in the fifth and sixth chapters of Joshua, which tells of the people of Israel overcoming the walled settlement of Jericho, is helpful in our search for Truth. Bible historians inform us that the city commanded the valley of the lower Jordan and was considered of some importance, being strongly fortified by massive walls. Such a fortress must have presented a discouraging sight to those dauntless wanderers of old whose advance it blocked.
From a metaphysical viewpoint the Israelites were faced with a stubborn mortal belief. The narrative clearly shows that Joshua, their leader, whose faith and confidence in God had already brought them all safely across Jordan, prayed for guidance, for we read that after he had "lifted up his eyes" he received his help directly from the "captain of the host of the Lord."
To break down the walls and gain victory certain instructions were given which, spiritually interpreted, still help us today in our experiences. The armed men or warriors, we are told, were to be sent to the forefront and go around the city; the priests were to march around the city blowing their trumpets, typifying perhaps the proclaiming of the presence and power of God persistently. The most precious possession of the Israelites, "the ark of the covenant," was to be held ever before the people's gaze. Lastly, we read (Josh. 6:10), "Joshua had commanded the people, saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout."
