Being alone with one's thoughts is highly important, provided of course such thoughts are constructive in nature. Those holding responsible positions demand periods of quietude for the gathering of fresh ideas which will make for proficiency and success. And this is particularly true in the study and application of Christian Science.

Quietness for this purpose does not selfishly set us apart from others. In fact, it is during the invigorating stillness of enlightened prayer that we come to understand man as the image of God, poised, gracious, intelligent, instead of as an undesirable mortal creature whom we would shun. Thus we are equipped to meet our neighbors and associates in a friendly, loving spirit.

As students of Christian Science we realize the importance of quiet times for study and research, if we would know and understand the one true God, the one Mind, to whom we can turn in every time of need. This may be in one's private surroundings or within the peaceful walls of a Christian Science Reading Room, where the Bible and the works of Mrs. Eddy may be studied. Being alone with God, however, confines one to no particular time or place. We may enter the quiet precincts of prayer while riding to work, while standing in line to be served, or while among the teeming throngs.

It is apathy, daydreaming, or self-centered seclusion which must be excluded, for not one of these has any kinship with the holy quietness of Mind. To feel the power and presence of Mind, God, is to feel an inner calm unmatched by any or all human means. The Master, Christ Jesus, sought places of solitude in order to refresh himself spiritually. Yet he seemed always to be where the human need was great. He was present to still the storm on the lake, to heal the cripple, to cure the leper, and to forgive the fallen. Wherever he went, some phase of evil's blatant clamor against the God-given rights of man was hushed.

Christian Science, which is in complete harmony with the inspired writings of the Bible, insists that the healing power of the Christ is as potent today as in the time of Jesus' ministry. And nothing is more conducive to healing than a quiet approach to the problem. In an accident the writer received a crippling blow on the ankle bone. In order to realize that God's plan for His child includes nothing hurtful or damaging, she devoted much time to study and prayer. But she feared a possible fracture, and the pain continued.

One morning as she finished studying the Lesson-Sermon, outlined in the Quarterly, she felt a sense of peace and well-being. As she rose to her feet, this thought came to her with great force: "Don't panic, that's all." And panic she did not. This message lingered with her throughout the day. And when she again thought of the ankle, she found that a complete healing had taken place.

Mrs. Eddy writes on page 445 of Science and Health, "Christian Science silences human will, quiets fear with Truth and Love, and illustrates the unlabored motion of the divine energy in healing the sick." As human will is silenced, God's will is recognized. Then self-righteousness is replaced with right thinking, which characterizes a spiritually righteous individual. And the prophet assures us (Isa. 32:17), "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."

In the universe of Mind, where man abides, there is no war, no destruction, no ranting, no riotous demands to interfere with the sanctum of Mind. There is no dullness, boredom, or self-pity to darken thought. Joy and freedom come within the rights of all.

Referring to blind material belief, Mrs. Eddy says: "It is the headlong cataract, the devouring flame, the tempest's breath. It is lightning and hurricane, all that is selfish, wicked, dishonest, and impure"' (Science and Health, p. 192). But God is in none of these beliefs. Error's severity is but the fiery elements of mortal thought amplified to human sight and sound. If we would know a spiritual sense of peace, we must silence with the power of God, divine Love, the clamoring of worldly lusts: anger, fear, and hostility. Then the quieting influence of God-derived qualities, such as mercy, compassion, good will, and humility, will govern our thoughts and actions.

As we hold our thoughts in line with Truth and Love, error's brawling predictions of what may or what may not happen will give place to Mind's holy hush as surely as darkness flees before the dawn. And such right thinking contributes to the peace of the world. We cannot afford to lose sight of the omnipotence of God, before which all earthly kingdoms or authorities must eventually bow.

In the forty-sixth Psalm the doom of the anti-Christ is foreseen. One of the verses reads, "The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted." How still, yet how powerful, is the voice of divine authority! And, when heeded, how wonderfully adequate to quiet the storms of mortal resistance to Truth and to unite humanity in one holy purpose— the desire to understand and obey the law of God! In such obedience, peace on earth and good will to men will be seen not as a shallow promise or vain hope, but as a present reality.