ry language which cannot be taken
literally. For instance, in oriental countries it is customary to say,
"When my friend entered the house, the doors and walls began to sing and
dance." In Persia they say, "Get at the head," meaning engage in the
matter according to its own terms and usages. All these have other and
inner meanings.

You have asked concerning approval of Christian Science treatment and
healing. Spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual effect. Therefore, we
pray, "O God! Heal this sick one!" Perchance God will answer. Does it
matter who prays? God will answer the prayer of every servant if that
prayer is urgent. His mercy is vast, illimitable. He answers the prayers
of all His servants. He answers the prayer of this plant. The plant prays
potentially, "O God! Send me rain!" God answers the prayer, and the plant
grows. God will answer anyone. He answers prayers potentially. Before we
were born into this world did we not pray, "O God! Give me a mother; give
me two fountains of bright milk; purify the air for my breathing; grant me
rest and comfort; prepare food for my sustenance and living"? Did we not
pray potentially for these needed blessings before we were created? When
we came into this world, did we not find our prayers answered? Did we not
find mother, father, food, light, home and every other necessity and
blessing, although we did not actually ask for them? Therefore, it is
natural that God will give to us when we ask Him. His mercy is
all-encircling.

But we ask for things which the divine wisdom does not desire for us, and
there is no answer to our prayer. His wisdom does not sanction what we
wish. We pray, "O God! Make me wealthy!" If this prayer were universally
answered, human affairs would be at a standstill. There would be none left
to work in the streets, none to till the soil, none to build, none to run
the trains. Therefore, it is evident that it would not be well for us if
all prayers were answered. The affairs of the world would be interfered
with, energies crippled and progress hindered. But whatever we ask for
which is in accord with divine wisdom, God will answer. Assuredly!

For instance, a very feeble patient may ask the doctor to give him food
which would be positively dangerous to his life and condition. He may beg
for roast meat. The doctor is kind and wise. He knows it would be
dangerous to his patient so he refuses to allow it. The doctor is
merciful; the patient, ignorant