Article March 29, 1919 Issue

Fleeing from Error

FRANK W. REED

The one great need of man is to know the truth which, our Master said, would make us free. All men desire to be free and are searching for the fountain of freedom, not knowing that Truth alone makes free. Our experience as students of Christian Science shows that one of the ways in which we may acquire this knowledge is often through incidents occurring in our daily walk and conversation; hence we should be watchful lest we miss the messengers of peace when they appear.

Several years ago the writer was making a short trip into the woods with two companions and a dog. As usual the dog ran on ahead. After proceeding some distance we heard a sharp bark as of distress, and presently the dog came into view fleeing swiftly, with three coyotes in pursuit. When they came within hearing distance, the dog's name was called, and immediately he turned and drove his pursuers over the hill, and soon returned with quite a perceptible air of satisfaction and assurance.

Pondering this incident in the days that followed, and searching for a scientific solution, the question was often asked, Why this sudden reversal of events? Why had the pursued so soon become the pursuer? There was no change in the number, size, or fleetness of the attacking force. From what, then, was the dog really fleeing? Was it not, after all, his own fear, and not, as it would at first seem, the animals themselves? As these questions were considered and meditated upon, a valuable lesson in Truth was clearly learned; namely, that every flight from error, or submission to it, is always caused by fear. How frequently, when we find ourselves unconsciously fleeing from some form of discord, a word from a friend, a quotation from the Bible or the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, coming to our thought, removes all fear of the discord and we rise to the understanding that there is really no power except God, good—and no one would want to run away from God.

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