Article February 2, 1957 Issue

SERENITY

ALEXANDRA B. CRICHTON

A Familiar picture which one often sees is that of Daniel in the lions' den. Though standing before the ravenous beasts, Daniel is in an attitude which denotes serenity. His noble face is turned toward the light; he apparently has no fear of the lions, which are crowded behind him, but not approaching him. How great must have been his reliance on God and how firm the faith in his immutable safety!

Daniel spent most of his life in Babylonian captivity. He lived at a time of general unrest, when violence and wars were common and frequent occurrences. Looking at this picture of Daniel, one may wonder how he attained such perfect poise in face of what seemed to indicate imminent destruction.

In the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy gives the answer. She writes (p. 514): "Understanding the control which Love held over all, Daniel felt safe in the lions' den, and Paul proved the viper to be harmless. All of God's creatures, moving in the harmony of Science, are harmless, useful, indestructible. A realization of this grand verity was a source of strength to the ancient worthies."

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Poem

"BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT"