Editorial February 19, 1903 Issue

"Speak, Lord, for thy Servant Heareth"

NOT he who prays most wins most, but he who is most truly reverent; whose attitude is most receptive, most sensitive to the touch that is divine; whose inner ear is wakeful to Truth's "still voice," and who ever craves for good with extended and expectant palm,—his gains are an hundredfold.

Sad and humiliating indeed is it to find oneself in the presence of an object of great interest, be it man or masterpiece, with no conscious responsiveness to its greatness: and how beggarly poor does one feel as he turns away, knowing that even that which he had,—the content of ignorance,—even that hath been taken away from him. Yet how much sadder to discover that through ignorance, stupidity, or vagrancy of thought we have been so irreverent, so irresponsive at the moment of supreme opportunity and supreme need, as to be robbed of the strength and inspiration of the Word that was spoken for us from the foundations of the world.

The hearing ear is the true man's inheritance and possession, but for the human consciousness it is an acquirement to be gained through that watchful endeavor which means spiritual awakening. Reverent listening determines our spiritual receptivity. It brings the atmosphere of true worship, and within the temple it awaits, as did little Samuel, a Father's call, and while waiting it hears celestial harmonies. Here is childhood's vantage. The confusions of maturity have not disturbed as yet its open-eyed wakefulness to the good. It is not afraid of the ideal, and does not tremble or grow hysterical at the portals of heaven. It is more accessible, more free; and while Eli doubtingly prays and unexpectantly longs for the revelation. Samuel has repeatedly heard and answered as best he knew.

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"Speak, Lord, for thy Servant Heareth"

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