What a stirring statement is that one of Mary Baker Eddy's: "If you fail to succeed in any case, it is because you have not demonstrated the life of Christ, Truth, more in your own life,—because you have not obeyed the rule and proved the Principle of divine Science." Science and Health, p. 149; Regardless of how often they have ruefully felt, "I wish she hadn't written that," there is no way for earnest Christian Scientists to avoid the deep demands implied in this statement by their Leader.
If one is relying on spiritual means for healing and progress, and no healing or progress comes, he is forced to evaluate his thoughts and actions.
This evaluation could be likened to the one Joshua had to make when the Israelites were defeated by the men of Ai after their spectacular success at Jericho. The great Hebrew who inherited Moses' leadership had committed his people to reaching the Promised Land. The enemies were formidable, and this defeat stopped the Israelites cold in their tracks. The journey seemed over, a complete failure if the rout at Ai stood.
