A Student of Christian Science had been trying for several weeks to revive a wilting plant. Each day it would respond to her loving care, but in a few hours it would wilt again. Puzzled by the fluctuating condition, she took the plant to an experienced gardener, who quickly detected what was sapping the plant's vitality. He removed a large worm which was wrapped around the roots of the plant. Almost at once the plant perked up, and within a short time it bloomed again.
Through the teachings of Christian Science the invalid, weary of observing bodily symptoms and of futile doctoring in accord with physical diagnosis, is learning to turn from the picture presented by material sense and to look deep into the realm of spiritual reality, where he beholds his true selfhood as the perfect man of God's creating. In the true man the serpentine suggestions of material sense, which would sap one's vitality, have no place. Just as the worm did not belong to the plant and was no part of it, just so the creeping suggestions of the carnal mind—hate, fear, worry, impatience, resentment, malice, criticism, faultfinding, false appetites, in fact, sin in all its forms— do not belong to man, God's idea, and are no part of him. If the sufferer does not readily help himself or does not recognize the error to be eradicated, he wisely calls upon an experienced Christian Scientist for help.
A student of Christian Science who was discouraged over the delayed healing of a chronic form of fatigue talked the matter over with a more experienced worker in Christian Science. The student was surprised to learn that she was unwittingly condemning herself. She learned, too, during the visit that self-condemnation darkens thought and robs it of the light needed to cope with the darkness of material beliefs. Thus enlightened, she detected and eliminated other subtle errors, "little foxes," so to speak. Resentment over much to do was replaced by joy of doing; complaint and weariness were supplanted by gratitude and refreshment; and as a natural result, health and vigor were quickly restored. The following statement by our Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, took on greater significance (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 123): "Seeing that we have to attain to the ministry of righteousness in all things, we must not overlook small things in goodness or in badness, for 'trifles make perfection,' and 'the little foxes . . . spoil the vines.'"
