AN experience came to the writer many years ago which she deems worthy of recounting. While yet a beginner in the study of Christian Science, she came into possession of a young Saint Bernard dog. She was always able to express loving patience with this animal. It mattered not if he destroyed her choicest flowers, she was never disturbed or annoyed. This meant more than appeared on the surface; for a thought of joy and satisfaction accompanied the freedom from provocation, which required no effort on her part to overcome.
With the passing of time, this experience often came to remembrance; but she did not consciously attempt to apply it to matters of a higher order, although confident that the self-control was due to an understanding of Christian Science. From childhood, however, she had seen the need for considering the rights of animals, and had endeavored to awaken others to express kindness toward them. After she learned something of Christian Science, the understanding of it was actively brought to bear on her relationship with them.
The joy of a right idea never lessens, but unfolds with the passing of time; and the experience crystallized into two definite points,—the discernment of a true idea, and the unreality of all that does not express good. Then came the awakening to apply this understanding to mankind. It is true that there were instances where no great effort was required to discern true individuality; while on other occasions there seemed to be only the consciousness of an erring mortal. But all were alike the children of God; and the true identity was there in every instance, only requiring spiritual vision to bring it to present realization. Mrs. Eddy says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (pp. 476, 477): "Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God's own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick."
