It is fundamental in military tactics that there is no excuse for being taken by surprise. A commanding officer is trained to station whatever watch may be available, to see that the watchmen are alert, and that their warnings are acted upon. The security system may take the form of a distant ring of listening posts for early detection of enemy action encircling a series of armed strong points for initial resistance, supported by reserve units for use in case of a serious threat.
In a similar way the sagacious Christian Scientist maintains an attitude of dominion and watchfulness against evil. He realizes that the warfare with error taking place in his consciousness is no part of his divinely real experience as a perfect child of God. He also knows that proving dominion in his affairs is the activity of the Christ. Therefore he expresses wisdom, alertness, and skill, and by consecrated study and application of the truth of being he cultivates a sensitive spiritual listening quality. This he keeps constantly active to detect illusory assaults of evil, such as hate, fear, envy, pride, sickness, and failure. He maintains vigorous and powerful salients, such as good character, straightforward honesty, calm courage, and spiritual understanding. Finally, he supports his stand by powerful and accurate arguments and declarations of the truth, carrying with them the over-whelming weight and momentum of spiritual conviction. Thus by entertaining right ideas he can keep from being forced into seeming subjection to error.
To continue the analogy, it is true also that the supremely advantageous position of the one who is able to attain the element of surprise in military strategy calls forth strenuous efforts to achieve it. The group or individual holding the initiative is able largely to control the conditions of battle.
