Editorial January 1, 1944 Issue

Let Us Take Stock

John Randall Dunn

A prudent businessman will, at stated intervals, take an inventory of his goods and supplies. When the Christian calendar records the approach of another January first, would it not be well for those of us striving to be Christian Scientists to institute a wholesome mental stocktaking? Do we not need, like sagacious men in trade, to consider our resources and weaknesses the ground gained or seemingly lost? Does someone opine that this argument is not Christianly scientific? If so, let him listen to the admonition of his spiritually-minded Leader, Mary Baker Eddy (Miscellaneous Writings, p.330): "It is good to talk with our past hours, and learn what report they bear, and how they might have reported more spiritual growth. With each returning year, higher joys, holier aims, a purer peace and diviner energy, should freshen the fragrance of being."

Let no one feel that a mental stocktaking need be a discouraging or depressing process. At the outset, the man or woman about the Father's business knows that back of him, eternally with him, are the infinite resources of Mind, the undiminished treasures of Love. If past hours report failure to appropriate good and a lessening stock of health, strength, or courage, the remedy is plain. One needs only to turn frequently to the great storehouse of right ideas, and there lay hold on the bounties promised to those who love—understand—God, good. Is not the infinite Father of all saying to each one of His children. "Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine"? If our inventory shows a lack of such mental commodities as health, happiness, or peace of mind, the fault lies not with the great Giver of all good, but with our failure to make legitimate demands on His infinite supply of blessings.

But, may interpose some stock-taker, apparently I know not how to replenish my dwindling stocks. I pray, and pray, and yet my mental shelves seem bare. The question is, How are we praying? Suppose a man walks out of doors on a bright morning with eyes fast closed, and prays for the sun to shine. What is the matter with that prayer? Obviously, much. First of all, the petitioner betrays complete ignorance of intelligent prayer. One does not have to beg the sun to shine. The sun's business is to shine, and it is shining. Enlightened prayer is really the opening of blinded eyes to the recognition of that good which eternally is. Says a familiar gospel hymn,

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