Editorial December 18, 1915 Issue

How to Think

Annie M. Knott

Christian Science teaches people in a wonderfully instructive way how to think rightly and to some purpose about themselves and others, indeed about all things. On page 270 of Science and Health we read: "Mortals think wickedly ; consequently they are wicked. They think sickly thoughts, and so become sick." In the prophecy of Jeremiah we read, "I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil." The promise which follows this declaration is to the effect that when men come to think as God thinks, He will hearken unto their prayers and be found of those who search for Him with all their hearts.

Before Mrs. Eddy's discovery of the Science of being, given to the world in Science and Health and her other writings, little was known of the power of thought upon the human body as well as its influence upon the whole of one's human experience. People certainly did think sickly thoughts "without let or hindrance," even with a mistaken sense that the habit was beneficial, just as it was considered proper to think frequently upon death. In view of this it is little wonder that sickness was so prevalent in spite of the measures taken ot repress or cure it; indeed all material methods of cure are so closely related to disease that thought cannot very well be lifted above it while these are pursued.

Christian Science has brought a tremendous change in this respect, and it is one which calls for entire loyalty and obedience to the teachings of Christ Jesus. He commanded his followers to take no thought for the body, as if health were dependent upon food and clothing, but to lift thought to spiritual things, which he named "the kingdom of God, and his righteousness." He also told them to take no thought for their own defense in times of persecution, but to depend entirely upon infinite Love and wisdom to speak through them. This was wonderfully illustrated in Peter's eloquent defense of himself and John before the Sanhedrin, when they were charged with the offense of healing a lame man without material means but in the name of Christ, and again when Paul pleaded his case before Agrippa. It is surely clear that if these apostles had entertained thoughts of doubt or selfpity they would not have been ready for the influx of divine inspiration which was poured out in their deathless words.

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