Article November 11, 1922 ISSUE

Asking and Questioning

RUTH INGRAHAM

On pages 323 and 324 of our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," speaking of the voice of Truth, Mrs. Eddy writes: "We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. Gladness to leave the false landmarks and joy to see them disappear,—this disposition helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony." To those inquirers into Christian Science whose questions are captious and argumentative, rather than calculated to aid progress, this tender counsel, if listened to in a spirit of humility, is very beneficial.

Suppose one were journeying through an unknown country to a place of which he had heard such favorable report that he wished to make it his home. He would be compelled to ask information regarding his way, equipment, supplies, and so on, of those who already knew these necessary details; and he would have to learn something of the language spoken there. Suppose he resented the sound of this language, and instead of listening and learning, he scolded at those who were trying to help him, interrupting their well-intentioned answers by insisting: "You are not telling me what I want to know. You are uttering a succession of meaningless words which irritate and annoy me. My questions are being evaded." How much progress would he make? Would it not be better for him to listen carefully, applying the little he had thus far learned of the new tongue and of the manners and customs of this country, to help him to a right interpretation of what was being said? Would not humility and patience be far better qualities in his service than arrogance, haste, and criticism?

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