Thought and Thinking ANNIE M. KNOTT, CSD          Students of Christian Science soon become familiar with the fact that thought represents the activity of mind, and that as a man thinketh, "so is he." They may find that those outside of Christian Science are disposed to ridicule them because of the importance which they attach to thought, but this does not disturb them, for they know that their health and harmony depend upon right thinking. They also see the intense significance of these words in the prophecy of Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." They learn, too, that as their thoughts become more spiritual, hence purer, and their ways in accord with God's ways, these are found to be ways of pleasantness and paths of peace.          Very few would venture to dispute the correctness of Mrs. Eddy's statement on page 270 of Science and Health, "Mortals think wickedly; consequently they are wicked." They would not, however, so readily agree with her when she goes on to say, "They think sickly thoughts, and so become sick." Yet these statements describe accurately the results of the thinking of mortal mind. It is quite possible for one to accept both of these statements, and yet know little or nothing respecting the kind of thinking which results in health and holiness. Most people are agreed that to think means to live, but not so many are aware that right thinking leads to eternal life, with all that this implies in the way of present blessedness. To be consistent in striving to think rightly, no phase of evil — sin, disease, or death — should be a factor in our consciousness, nor should it ever have a place in our plans or purposes, except that which would annihilate all belief in evil.          It is simply astonishing to note or to experience the results which follow when one ceases to believe in the power or reality of disease, as we are taught to do in Christian Science. The Master's cheering words, "Fear not," spoken on so many occasions, echo continually in thought and tell of the perpetual presence of divine Love. Then, when surrounded in the busy ways of the world with those who advocate disease theories, our Leader's admonition, "Stand porter at the door of thought" (Science and Health, p.392), may well be heeded. Christ Jesus did not fail to warn his followers against "evil thoughts," but many there are who quite forget to do what he commanded, namely, to watch unceasingly against the mortal foes that would invade our mental realm, which should ever be guarded as the kingdom within, where Truth and Love are enthroned.          It is too true that evil thoughts of all kinds pervade the atmosphere of mortal mind, and even little children may respond to fear and hate unless they are early taught the ceaseless protection of the pure thoughts which proceed from the one perfect Mind. Thus it follows that men and women seem to be helpless victims of evil thinking, a habit which is far more insidious and harmful than any outward habit, and much harder to overcome until the absolute demands of Truth are recognized and Truth's power to deliver is declared as often as the error presents itself. Well were it for us if every time an evil thought knocks at our door for admittance, we would say, in the Master's words, "I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."          We should never forget that continuous right thinking, not spasmodic or unrelated mental activity, is what brings harmonious results, leads us into the land "flowing with milk and honey," — our promised land. We must know God well enough to love Him with all our heart and all our might, and we must so think upon all the activities of infinite Mind that all we do shall reflect divine intelligence, and "the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us." Daily duty will thus become a sacrament, and without fear or doubt we shall pray as did the psalmist, "The work of our hands establish thou it." All this is possible to the one who reflects the Love that "thinketh no evil."   "Thought and Thinking" by Annie M. Knott, CSD Christian Science Sentinel, May 30, 1914

 

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