In the sublime poetry of Isaiah we find nothing grander than his description of the world when the kingdom of God shall be universally recognized, — all living creatures dwelling together in concord; the child playing "on the hole of the asp;" when nothing shall "hurt nor destroy, ... for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." In line with this prophecy our text-book says, "God is the Life, or intelligence, which forms and preserves the individuality and identity of animals as well as of men"(Science and Health, p. 550). It is therefore highly interesting to note that at the present time, as never before, strenuous efforts are being made to embody in educational systems the moral training which will find its natural expression in the law of love,—love for all of God's creatures. It is contended that "a humane and moral education" would "make almost impossible . . . the crimes and miseries which now hopelessly oppress and overwhelm humanity," and entirely in keeping with this, Mrs. Eddy has said, "It is not so much academic education, as a moral and spiritual culture, which lifts one higher"(Science and Health, p. 235).
It is now being very generally admitted that the ordinary school and collegiate education does little or nothing to inspire childhood and youth "to noble, pure, and holy inspiration," and it is also being admitted that loftier ideals are imperatively demanded, even for the sake of physical health. The American Humane Association is sending out at this time a powerful appeal for the development of a humanitarian spirit—not only for the sake of the dumb creatures, but even more for the sake of mankind, whose unspeakable cruelties to animals along the lines of vivisection, trapping, etc., react upon themselves, and it is freely admitted that experiments upon animals in general fail utterly to bring health to mankind. One writer says, "It is painfully evident that there is urgent need for some improved methods for the study and preservation of health other than we have now." After referring to the wide prevalence of ill-health, the writer adds:—
Some broken law running through these lives, with its attendant suffering, is evidenced in them all; for the diseases which afflict us are not God-given—inherent in our nature. It is for "scientific investigation" to reveal and emphasize to us the conditions which shall assure to us that full degree of health which it is our birthright and our privilege to claim and enjoy. . . . Light to benefit mankind must come ... by presenting to the world that higher standard of possible health which shall inspire adequate desire to live in accordance with those benign laws which make possible its attainment.
