Article January 21, 1956 Issue

"ONLY IF THOU CAREFULLY HEARKEN"

JAMES K. WESTOVER

The high purpose of the Christian Scientist is to gain a clear concept of Truth, assimilate it, retain and use it. For his assistance in this he finds several sources of instruction available: the Bible, the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Christian Science periodicals, class teaching as provided for by Mrs. Eddy in the Manual of The Mother Church, and hearing the Word. Each of these is essential to one's progress, and not the least in importance is the necessity of hearing the Word or receiving impressions from Truth—Truth being a synonym for God.

Moses gave this assurance to the children of Israel (Deut. 15:4–6): "The Lord shall greatly bless thee in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it: only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these commandments which I command thee this day. For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he promised thee." Moffatt renders verse 5 of this passage, "Provided that you are attentive to the voice of the Eternal your God, and mindful to obey all these commands laid down by me to-day." Thus the words "hear" and "hearken" mean not only to listen but to heed.

Doubtless Christ Jesus was emphasizing the same need to listen and heed when he remarked (Matt. 11:15), "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." No auditory nerve or physical sense of hearing is employed in assimilating the impressions received from Truth, in learning the directions offered by Mind, divine intelligence. But listening with the heart, with every intent of obeying the still small voice, is needed.

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