Article June 22, 1929 Issue

"Put thought into words"

JAMES C. MC CAUSTLAND

On the first reading of a rule or precept in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, one may not appreciate its importance, but on careful study, one will find that no single rule or precept may safely be overlooked or neglected by those who would advance in the study and practice of Christian Science.

On page 341 of "Miscellaneous Writings" our Leader has written, "First purify thought, then put thought into words, and words into deeds." It is plain that purification of thought is necessary, since all purification must first occur there. It is also readily seen that such purification must then be manifested in deeds. But one may not at first see the necessity of putting "thought into words," although that step, for the advancement of the individual and of the Christian Science movement, is also important.

Concerning her discovery of Christian Science Mrs. Eddy writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 107), "God had been graciously preparing me during many years for the reception of this final revelation of the absolute divine Principle of scientific mental healing." This preparation was manifested in her purified thought, but she was not content with her own enlightened understanding. She put her thought into words, thus giving her discovery to a world that needed it, with the result that hosts of grateful men and women, whom Christian Science has released from some form of bondage, have called her blessed. In like manner, it is not sufficient for the Christian Scientist to be content with the change in his manner of thinking and in his standards and ideals. These changes accompany the unfoldment of Truth in consciousness, as surely as light dispels darkness; but for his own growth, and for the sake of sinning, suffering humanity, the student must take the next orderly steps. He must "put thought into words, and words into deeds."

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