Editorial February 23, 1946 Issue

Presence of Mind

John Randall Dunn

In recounting some exploit, how frequently does the teller of the tale dwell on the fact that the hero of the story exhibited great presence of mind, and thus saved himself or others from some misfortune. Presence of mind; the ability to think clearly in times of stress; that precious quality of perspicacity in seasons of mental fogginess—who has not longed for this boon? As one begins the study of Christian Science, however. the phrase "presence of mind" takes on new meaning; for early does he find the author of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy, referring to God as the divine Mind; and the name "Mind." used synonymously for Deity, is always capitalized. To the student of Christian Science, therefore, true presence of Mind is the presence of God.

Answering the question, "What is Mind?" Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 469), "Mind is God." Then a little farther on she adds: "There can be but one Mind, because there is but one God." Now, if the student allies his consciousness with this infinite intelligence, this Mind which is God; if he claims this Mind as his Father-Mother, and strives to see his real selfhood as the reflection or expression of all-wise, omniscient Being, verily, then, is he knowing the presence of Mind and opening the door for countless blessings. What volumes could be written by Christian Scientists serving in the armed forces, recounting proof after proof of the presence, guidance, and sustaining power of Mind!

Aviators testify to quick, wise moves they were led to make when they turned wholeheartedly to Mind; soldiers or others who were taken prisoner, and who had learned the new tongue of Truth, tell of the lifting of the morale of themselves and their fellows through the realization of the presence of Mind and Love: workers on defense projects, confronted with some baffling problem, relate amazing experiences in finding just the intelligent thing to do when there has been a childlike surrender to the direction of divine Mind.

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