Article September 13, 1919 Issue

The Goal and the Prize

CHARLES W. HOAG

There are many stations or waymarks on the journey Spiritward, and the reaching and passing of any one of them should bring satisfaction to earnest Christian Scientists. All are important and indicate progress made in the right direction. There is one, however, that seems of supreme importance, the goal which all Christian Scientists should strive to reach. Our revered Leader named it "spiritualization of thought." She says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 407), "Spiritualization of thought lets in the light, and brings the divine Mind, Life not death, into your consciousness." Again, in "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 15), she says, "Nothing aside from the spiritualization—yea, the highest Christianization—of thought and desire, can give the true perception of God and divine Science." Spiritualization of thought, then, means growth, development, strength,—the gain of spiritual sense. It is the one indispensable attainment, therefore, upon which all else in Christian Science depends, and without which there can be no real healing of either sickness or sin.

The above statements being true, and certainly no thoughtful Christian Scientist will dispute them, the first question that presents itself is, How is this spiritualization of thought to be attained? In attempting to answer this question let us take it for granted that in this, as in all things of real value, the rule is set forth in our textbook; and further let us remember that the price to be paid always corresponds to the value of the object sought.

An important step, then, toward this great goal is to clear the mind of material or unspiritual thought. This in itself is no small task. Here again we turn to our Leader for clear and concise direction. On page 392 of Science and Health she says, "Stand porter at the door of thought." We should watch the thoughts that apply for admission at this door; but bear in mind that it is not always the diseased beliefs that cry for admission with the loudest voice that need the closest attention. It does not require so great an effort to guard the door against such burly enemies. Even an indifferent porter would recognize them as unwelcome, and refuse admission. The really dangerous foes are the little, crafty thoughts, such as resentment over real or fancied wrongs; jealousy, sometimes called a "green-eyed monster," which is often so quiet and subtle that it slips through the door unnoticed; pride of place or even of attainment in the knowledge of Christian Science; envy of another's position or success; fears and worries; and many others of the same class. These are the little foxes against which Solomon warned, and it takes an alert porter to discover them and close the door promptly. Yet when all this is done the task is only half completed. If thought is to be spiritualized, not only must the door be closed against enemies but it must be flung wide open to friends. White-winged angels, named truthfulness, purity, love, meekness, stand without, tapping gently for admission. To them the porter should open wide the door, giving them most hearty welcome and ushering them in to honored places. With these guests filling all the house, blending their voices in perfect harmony, echoing heaven's own music, no room will be left for other applicants for admission. When the porter, through experience, repeated trials, and earnest efforts, is able to discern the false and untrue, under whatever guise it comes, the way is open to success.

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