Article January 28, 1939 Issue

"A wise and an understanding heart"

ALTON N. SWETT

It is recorded in I Kings that "Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father." His humble and sincere desire must have been uppermost in his thinking, for God "appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee." Instead of asking for material power, life, or possessions, Solomon prayed, "Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?" This prayer for wisdom, humility, guidance, and spiritual discernment was truly answered, for God promised him "a wise and an understanding heart," as well as riches, honor, and long life.

The prayer for "a wise and an understanding heart" is constantly being offered by those serving as Readers in Christian Science churches and societies. Their desire is so to purify and elevate their own thinking that the Word may be read and heard with understanding.

Readers in Christian Science churches occupy a position which requires constant spiritual alertness and undeviating loyalty to God. Our Leader writes in the Church Manual (Art. III, Sect. 1), "They must keep themselves unspotted from the world,—uncontaminated with evil,—that the mental atmosphere they exhale shall promote health and holiness, even that spiritual animus so universally needed." Their lives should exemplify the application of Christian Science in their daily activities. Mrs. Eddy has written in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 249), "What our churches need is that devout, unselfed quality of thought which spiritualizes the congregation." And all who occupy this office, as well as others, should study that inspired article, addressed "To a First Reader" (ibid., p. 247), in which our Leader points out the need of Christlikeness, purity of thought, "tender persuasion," spiritual receptivity, and "self-forgetful, patient, unfaltering tenderness."