NOT all prayers are answered. When, for example, one asks for some specific thing, such as the appointment to a certain position of trust or the success of a particular business venture, he may be asking amiss, and it might not be well either for him or for the community to have the petition granted. But one who, in the right spirit, asks for courage and understanding will not be disappointed; he will receive in such measure as is necessary. And are not these transcendent gifts?
Spiritual understanding is the universal desideratum. Without it one would have an inadequate if not a wretched sense of existence. With it one begins to see the real universe and the real man; begins to appreciate the perfection in which God has established His creation. For the universe, viewed as it actually is in Truth, is a kindly and orderly realm, wherein are safety and plenty for every individual. And man, as he genuinely is constituted, is a constant manifestation of intelligence and inextinguishable Life. He has the strength and the ability to accomplish his appointed mission of reflecting God. The dangers and limitations that would impede mankind's progress or frustrate its success are suppositional, and therefore must give way to the divine purpose.
In these days the urge to know is practically universal. People of all ages are attending school or availing themselves of other means of education. Instinctively they realize that knowledge and self-improvement make for lasting liberty. Unmistakably they recognize that genuine intellectual and cultural unfoldment is above and beyond the various forms of material wealth and equipment. It is, so to speak, an indissoluble part of the individual, clarifying his vision as well as otherwise better fitting him to discharge the duties of life and to appreciate the finer things of the world. Truly, as Mrs. Eddy so succinctly states in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 195), "Academics of the right sort are requisite."
