EARLY Hebrew writers, in poetic figures of speech, likened the lion to many things, both good and bad. There is no doubt that these large, daring, and impressive animals roamed throughout ancient Palestine, causing the people more than a little concern in spite of their admiration for the beasts. Hence in the Scriptures the lion is often used as a symbol of something either to be feared or to be respected.
In Proverbs the lion is referred to as one of mortal mind's many excuses to avoid normal activity. We read (22:13), "The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets." What is the name of this lion that stalks one's aspirations and that endeavors to make one sit idly and perhaps fearfully when there is so much to be done? In Christian Science we learn that this lion is aggressive mental suggestion. Among its many aspects are timidity, fear, and discouragement.
In the Manual, Mrs. Eddy writes under the heading "Alertness to Duty" (Art. VIII, Sect. 6): "It shall be the duty of every member of this Church to defend himself daily against aggressive mental suggestion, and not be made to forget nor to neglect his duty to God, to his Leader, and to mankind. By his works he shall be judged,— and justified or condemned."
