In an article in "Miscellaneous Writings" entitled "Sunday Services on July Fourth," with the subheading, "Extempore Remarks," Mrs. Eddy comments upon the supreme devotion to Principle that great national crises call forth on the part of nations. She then asks (p. 176): "But what of ourselves, and our times and obligations? Are we duly aware of our own great opportunities and responsibilities? Are we prepared to meet and improve them, to act up to the acme of divine energy wherewith we are armored?" Our Leader continues: "Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes. The hour is come. The great battle of Armageddon is upon us."
Is not this call to face up to our opportunities and responsibilities in the great struggle against evil as imperative now as when it was first uttered? And who that has felt the healing power of Christian Science and has understood in the least degree its teachings can doubt that in this Science we have all that is needed to meet fully the grave issues of the present time?
Is not our position very much like that of the commander of troops in battle who knows his objective, his strategy and battle plan, and feels confident that he possesses the armaments necessary for success? But these essentials cannot achieve the victory unless utilized. It is the commander's responsibility to put his plan into operation. He must act with decision and vigor, using every facility at his command to win the day. Likewise, we as Christian Scientists have the responsibility to "act up to the acme of divine energy wherewith we are armored."
