STRANGE, indeed, when viewed from the standpoint of human knowledge, seems the prophecy contained in the eleventh chapter of Isaiah which reads, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." Types more different than these, the one from the other, could hardly have been mentioned; but as we learn through the teachings of Christian Science to resolve "things into thoughts" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 269), we see that Isaiah, through an easily understood illustration, was prophesying the effect of the coming of the Christ, Truth, to human consciousness, an effect which, later, was most plainly made visible in the life and works of Jesus, the Way-shower.
When we discern that moral courage is typified by the lion and inoffensiveness by the lamb, we see pictured in this prophetic utterance the symmetry of a Truth-governed consciousness; for moral courage untempered by inoffensiveness is like justice without mercy, and inoffensiveness without courage is like words without deeds. We need both types of thought: boldness, courage, fearlessness, as represented by the wolf, the lion, and the leopard, and also purity, innocence, and gentleness, as indicated by the lamb, the kid, and the calf. And how can such qualities do anything less than dwell harmoniously together when the childlike thought of trustful, humble obedience is leading them; when there is a willingness to follow the dictates of Truth alone, irrespective of praise or blame, without reverting to preconceived opinions or desires, trusting to no human counsel or guidance, but listening to and following the direction of the divine Mind? Boldness and daring, untempered by the gentler qualities, may become self-assertive, leaving in their wake a feeling of retaliation or of hurt inferiority. Humility, when inspired, knows full well that there are not many minds, but one Mind, God, governing and directing His creation with unerring wisdom.
Doubtless it was the fine balancing of these Godlike qualities in him that made David the one best fitted to deliver the armies of Israel from the counterfeit opposite in the person of Goliath, who showed forth the undesirable characteristics of arrogance and pride of human strength and power. We find that this lad David, fearless and openly depending on God alone, was free from self-glorification or pride of daring, humbly and confidently claiming, "The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine." Likewise Daniel, having through the conspiracy of envy and jealousy been cast into the lions' den, and having courageously and availingly encountered these animal elements, was found meekly and in childlike gratitude saying to the king, whom evil had made an unwitting instrument in sending him into this trial, "My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me."
Daily in business, school, society, and home one is required to bring out this true balance of Godlike qualities. Often we are required to speak bravely and boldly; and how blessed is that one who can speak frankly, with honest conviction, and still give no offense! Little do we know how this combining of the qualities of the lion and of the lamb may be sustaining someone else, helping him by example to take a similar position, and perchance encouraging him also to bring forth other high ideals that beclouding timidity has temporarily blotted out.
It is not always easy for a young student of Christian Science to stand alone in a group when, through a false spirit of daring, unnecessary risk and danger are involved, when general laxity of law observance is the rule, when indulgence of popular customs and carelessness of speech are rife. It may seem at times that the easier way is to drift with the current; yet true courage and good judgment can so mingle with humility that firmness leaves no sting of comparison or condemnation of others, but only freedom of thought and action for all.
Business meetings of Christian Science churches afford opportunities for letting the childlike thought lead, as each member follows his highest sense of right, even if he seems quite in the minority. Humility coupled with courage will remove all inclination to be influenced by a mistaken sense of gratitude or obligation, pride of position, personal leadership, or personal admiration. Sometimes courage of a higher type is needed to enable one to speak for or against some discussed question according to his own inner conviction, and yet do this so modestly and frankly as to give no impression of being merely a resister.
This combined courage and meekness of Jesus was plainly evidenced in the healing of the maniac who seemed so menacing that others feared. Moral courage enabled Jesus to stand serenely and meet this demented one; and gentleness bade him say only the simple healing words, "Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit." This calmed the storm-tossed thought so perfectly that from that moment the man was healed.
Christian Scientists gratefully acknowledge Mary Baker Eddy as the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science and Leader of a world-wide religion which has restored the scientific understanding of this combined courage and inoffensiveness, thereby enabling them to calm countless storms of material sense, uplifting them from destructive diseases and sins, and delivering them from the arrogant pretensions of fear, discouragement, and hopelessness.
In establishing the Christian Science movement Mrs. Eddy fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah in her own experience by meeting and overcoming with undaunted courage unnumbered difficulties of opposition, ignorance, and malice, trusting God alone for guidance, and in humility recommending her students to follow her only so far as she followed Christ.
Truly, when metaphysically discerned, the lion and the lamb dwell together; and a little child leads them.
