Christian Science Testimony "THE IMPORTANCE OF GUARDING THOUGHT CONSTANTLY"          On several occasions I have had direct proofs of the good results of right thinking and of the ill effects of wrong thinking. On giving way to a great sense of grief one day, over circumstances which seemed very hard to bear, I was instantly seized with an acute attack of heartburn. Having learned in Christian Science that all cause is mental, and not material, I knew at once the source of this trouble, and immediately proceeded to correct the wrong thought. As Truth was allowed to replace the thought of grief, the physical discord left and harmony was again restored.          At another time, over a year ago, I had an experience which was more subtle in its effect. While walking along the street I suddenly felt an irritation in one of my eyes. It felt as if something had got into the eye, but I gave it little thought until later, when my attention was called to a small lump that had formed on the eyelid. It was quite perceptible for a few days, but became smaller; and though it did not entirely disappear, it ceased to cause annoyance. However, I noticed afterwards that whenever I allowed my thought to become discordant, irritation would set in and the lump would enlarge. Then, as before, it would become small again. Thus it went on until one day it became larger than usual, and was so noticeable that a number of friends asked me what it was. Up to this time I had paid little attention to it; but now, since it had become noticeable, I at once turned the light of Truth into my thinking and uncovered the cause. When the error in thought was corrected, the physical manifestation was quickly overcome; and by the next day had entirely disappeared.          These experiences, and others, have taught me the importance of guarding thought constantly against every phase of mortal error that tries to gain admission. Envy, resentment, discouragement, grief, anxiety, and fear have at various times found entrance into my consciousness, and some unpleasant experience has shown the evil workings of these errors. However, I have been grateful for each experience because of the lessons learned; also grateful to God that in going through each one I have had proof of His omnipotent and loving care.          As I look back over the past few years, I can see how much easier it is today to guard my thought against error than it was even a year ago, and vastly easier than it was when I first started to study Christian Science. So, with perseverance and right desire, one may accomplish much in this direction. The way is not always easy; but it is worth the effort, if one would be free from physical ailments and mental suffering. As our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 392): "Stand porter at the door of thought. Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously." Lewis O. Dwight Butte, Montana   "Testimonies of Healing" Christian Science Sentinel, December 4, 1926

 

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