ALMOST every one can recall incidents that stand out in recollection more boldly than their apparent value warrants. These reminiscences seem to us still more clearly defined as we progress in Christian Science and learn that it "resolves things into thoughts" (Science and Health, p. 123), and mortal symbols and word pictures are translated back to their metaphysical meaning and import.
The writer recalls a story told by a dear friend. It was an actual experience of the narrator, whose ability to delineate scenes and actions with a wealth of detail was paralleled only by his desire to make the lessons of an active and distinguished experience serve as guide-posts to the paths of peace and righteousness. Very often, as if in fulfilment of the truism that all good intents must come to fruition, the key-note of this narrative has come out of memory's vault when I have been sore perplexed and almost stampeded by the hosts of error in some unguarded and fear-filled moment.
My friend had been speaking of his military service, and he explained that a soldier was taught, at the given command, "Feel the touch," instantly to allow his arm to touch that of the man next to him, the object being to give alignment, solidarity, and confidence. He added that this method of steadying the troops had, on one occasion at least, saved a regiment. On this occasion it was thought best to meet the onslaught of the enemy with a hollow square formation. In the center of the square were placed the accouterments of the army, the baggage trains and the commissary department, the water, and so on,—all of these representing vital necessities for the troops, and a picture of disaster was presented should that square ever be penetrated by the opposing hosts. The opposing armies had come into contact, the enemy as usual was delivering the attack on all sides, when suddenly, and evidently upon a prearranged plan, a dash was made for one corner of the square, where some young troops under fire for the first time began to waver, and immediately there was a little breach. Then the word of command rang out: "Feel the touch! Feel the touch!" and instantly loyal discipline asserted itself. The knowledge was borne in on them that back of that command was the intelligence of a general who had successfully thwarted all the efforts hitherto made to encompass his defeat, and quick as a flash the order was obeyed, confidence was restored, and instead of the enemy finding as they expected the sagging lines of a fear-stricken foe, they found steady, unflinching, compact lines, and an integral part of an impregnable system of defense.
