Article August 9, 1952 Issue

MASTERING THOUGHT

J. LESLIE HADDON

Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Preface to her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. vii), "The time for thinkers has come." In the years that have passed since the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science made that declaration no person and no doctrine has done more to show mankind the tremendous importance and power, as well as the nature and method, of right thinking. While many among the world's great intellectuals have richly endowed us with the fruits of their reasoning, only Mrs. Eddy, the God-appointed revelator of Truth to this age, has taught mankind how to think.

It may come as a surprise to some to learn that thinking is obligatory; so long as we are conscious we must think. To whatever degree of mental indolence we may have drifted, we still cannot avoid thinking. But much human thinking is desultory and aimless, yielding little in real results. Since we must think, it would seem right to take our thinking seriously; to take hold of it and direct it along ordered lines to a worth-while end.

Christian Science teaches us to do this. In the book of Proverbs (23:7) we are told that as one "thinketh in his heart, so is he." Christian Science shows that one's experience conforms to the quality of his thinking. Throughout the textbook our Leader stresses the importance of right thinking, making it very clear that it is the individual's prerogative to improve his health and well-being by correcting and improving his thought on the basis that God is the only Mind and man is His reflection. Moreover, she sets forth the method whereby, under God's guidance, we can so elevate our thinking that it changes from material falsity to spiritual reality. Thinking then gives place to the reflection of divine Mind's knowing.

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