Editorial October 3, 1936 Issue

A Good Doorkeeper

George Shaw Cook

"I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." The foregoing verse from the eighty-fourth Psalm was probably meant by its author to show that divine service, however humble its nature, is to be desired more than any material position, however exalted. Yet it may have even deeper significance for students of Christian Science, especially when considered in connection with the declaration of Paul in his first epistle to the Corinthians, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

Viewed in the light of Paul's words, it will be seen that a true doorkeeper in the house of the Lord is one who complies with Mrs. Eddy's admonition in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 392), "Stand porter at the door of thought." The temple of Mind is spiritual consciousness, and he who stands guard at the door of what is called human consciousness with alertness, faithfulness, and firmness, is able to exclude from it, and consequently from his experience, that which is undesirable. The reward for this watchfulness is indicated by Mrs. Eddy in the same paragraph from which quotation has been made, for she continues: "Admitting only such conclusions as you wish realized in bodily results, you will control yourself harmoniously. When the condition is present which you say induces disease, whether it be air, exercise, heredity, contagion, or accident, then perform your office as porter and shut out these unhealthy thoughts and fears. Exclude from mortal mind the offending errors; then the body cannot suffer from them."

Many students of Christian Science have found that when they have been alert and faithful doorkeepers, wise and firm porters at the door of their consciousness, they have been able to exclude from consciousness that which, if admitted and entertained, would doubtless have resulted in discord and suffering. On the other hand, some may have found that when off guard or careless in their performance of the office of porter, they have admitted suggestions of mortal mind, the consequences of which have been distressing, if not disastrous.

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