Article November 22, 1913 Issue

Withholding

ELIZABETH CUTTING

Mrs. Eddy tells us that "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind" (Science and Health, p. 60). In pondering the meaning of this statement, the writer recalled the continuous supply of good which has come to her since she became acquainted with the Christian Science literature. That this supply could not be lessened, was not, however, at first appreciated. As each number of the Sentinel, Journal, and Monitor came to hand, mortal mind suggested that it was well to hold on to some of the articles which answered the particular needs of daily experience. This plan was followed for two years or more, when a little incident brought to light the mistake in withholding so much helpful thought from the wider circulation to which it was entitled.

It seemed desirable to move to another part of the town, a step which necessitated the usual sorting over and destroying of possessions not worth removal. While thus occupied, I was much surprised to come across a very large collection of clippings from our periodicals, some of which were already yellowing with age. Then there flashed across me the import of this hoarding habit. Mortal mind tried to argue that I intended to file them away for future reference, or for distribution after they had been read again. What would be the result? Each day, each week, each month, there continued to pour in a ceaseless stream of other good articles, meeting the needs of the hour and allowing little or no opportunity for rereading those which had been equally helpful in the past. I had indeed been so blinded by the mistaken sense that I must hold on to all of these good articles, that for over two years I had been withholding from others what should have ministered to their needs at the time.

From this awakening I began a systematic and prompt distribution of all literature, and I was constantly surprised to see how easy it was to find just the right person or place where each paper might be sent to fulfil a special purpose. There resulted a fuller realization of the meaning of our Leader's words: "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us" (Science and Health, p. 79). I also discovered that I was reading the periodicals much more carefully, to get all the good I could out of their perusal at the time they came.

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