Article February 24, 1912 Issue

THOUGHTS

HELEN P. BLAKE.

In the prophecy of Jeremiah we read: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." It is also our duty to know our thoughts, whether they be of peace or of evil; whether they are the thoughts which heal and bless all mankind. If we were constantly to think only right thoughts, we should find sin, disease, and death lessening in an amazing degree. It is not that we do not always know right thoughts, but that we do not always exclude evil thoughts. We are apt to listen to and discuss in detail some case of sickness, sin, or death, yet how great would be the blessing if we promptly denied each claim of evil with the understanding of its nothingness. For, after all, whether the case be that of sin or sorrow, pleasure or pain, it is the result of the belief of life and intelligence in matter; hence we should be more earnest in declaring, as did Paul, that man lives, moves, and has his being in God.

Mrs. Eddy says: "The Christian Scientist has enlisted to lessen evil, disease, and death; and he will overcome them by understanding their nothingness and the allness of God, or good" (Science and Health, p. 450). What would we think of the enlisted soldier who in time of war refused to meet and repulse the attack of the enemy? It is no less our duty to overcome the enemy,—the material thought which gives place and power to the belief of evil in every form. Our battle-ground is the entire round of human thought, and "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." It is also good to recall often the cheering words, "Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

We must at all times bear witness to the truth. Our good may be evil spoken of because it is not understood; but it surely is a blessed privilege to be misunderstood for the cause of Truth. To be always ready with the denial of the power of error in whatever form it presents itself,—to overcome evil with good,—is to think "thoughts of peace" which must bless and heal. Let us therefore resolve to take up the duties of each day, guarding well the avenues to our thought, and thereby expressing our love and gratitude to God and to our dear Leader.

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