Once, when the subtle and tightening bonds of mortal thought seemed overpowering, and a supreme effort for freedom became necessary, there was presented the mental picture of Laocoon and his sons, and it appeared to be an exact expression of the prevailing conditions. All their dreadful writhing and struggling was depicted; all their twisting and turning; and there came a realization that they were endeavoring to use mere human will, and that their efforts were wholly futile because they were on the same plane as were the serpents. Their reliance upon muscle and sinew (material thoughts') was of no avail, and the strife went on and on, until poor humanity was forced to succumb—was overpowered and bound.
Then came the counter-picture—would that all the world might see it—of Daniel surrounded by the lions (representing mortal thought.); but with the calm assurance of mental might he was looking each of them squarely in the face until, one by one, each stood before him, awed by the majesty of Mind's reflection. Thus meditating on the perfect concept, peace came to the struggling senses, and the true consciousness was restored.—
