Æsop's fable of "the lion and the bulls" affords a most profitable and timely lesson for Christian Scientists. The fable reads, "Three bulls fed in a field together in the greatest peace and amity. A lion had long watched them in the hope of making them his prey, but found that there was little chance for him so long as they kept all together. He therefore began secretly to spread evil and slanderous reports of one against the other, till he had fomented a jealousy and distrust among them. No sooner did the lion see that they avoided one another, and fed each by himself apart, than he fell upon them singly, and so made an easy prey them all."
It is unquestionably true that the conduct of Christian Scientists is being zealously observed, and they do not object to this scrutiny, since it is bound to work for the good of all. The healing and redemptive message of Christian Science is for the whole world, and loyal students of this Science certainly desire neither to say nor to do anything, in public or in private, which would prove a stumbling-block to any one, but rather would they merit the Psalmist's benediction, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
In unity of scientific thought, purpose, and action there is strength. This unification demands individual work of each and all, and can be attained only as we partake of "the wisdom that is from above," which "is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." It also positively requires that we learn how God heals sickness as well as sin and selfishness, so that we may present our bodies "holy, acceptable unto God." Unselfish love always clothes us with power and authority. Where love reigns there is peace, joy, and security. Unselfishness is constant self-denial, depriving error of any supposed life or power. Love impels us to be loving, to be merciful, just, kind, and forbearing; and as Christian Scientists we know that much has already been accomplished along these lines, but far higher attainments are demanded of us before we can say with the Master, "I have overcome the world."
