Editorial June 3, 1911 Issue

THE SIN OF UNWISDOM

John B. Willis

Those who have followed the plow in the "happy hunting-grounds" of the great West do not forget the days when their polished share brought to the surface many a relic of America's first citizens. Stone mallets, pestles, pony-hobbles, tomahawks, etc.,—each and all added something to the story of the life of that picturesque people. The most numerous reminders, however, of these children of the forest were the arrow-heads which in the chances of the chase were scattered far and wide, and he would have little imagination who could pick one up from the fragrant furrow and not find himself dreaming of the fleet bowarmed hunters of the long ago.

As one notes with what exactness and manifestly patient care the hardest of flints has been fashioned and finely balanced, he perceives that with all their native simplicity these red men had well learned the fact that an effective instrument must always have form and point, as well as impulsion. This is a truth which is of the greatest moment, for, other things being equal, the intelligence of one's adjustment of means to end has directly to do with his usefulness and success, and indifference to this fact is great unwisdom.

In describing the effectiveness of "the word of God," the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews speaks of it as "sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit;" and it is apparent that every least reflection of Truth must exhibit this incisive errordestroying power. Nevertheless Jesus said, "Be ye therefore wise," and this call for thoughtfulness, regard for just what is said, and for the mental maturity and receptivity of those to whom it is said, is imperative today in voicing the truths of Christian Science. The world will never be saved by the voluble expression of ill-digested thought, however saving the truths of which the speaker has but an indefinite apprehension; but he who has learned carefully to weigh his statements, to see that they are logical, clear, intelligible to those addressed, and wise, withal, will be sure to find that, though he talks far less than formerly, his words are effecting far more.

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