Article July 7, 1923 Issue

Daily Mental Cultivation

ERNEST C. MOSES

One does not need to be a profound philosopher to recognize the fact that human life is made up experiences, and that the quality and utility of human existence is determined by the influences which mold each person's daily life. A clear statement of the fact was recently made in these simple words: "Good habits are not made on birthdays, nor Christian character at the New Year. The workshop of character is everyday life." This being admitted, the conclusion must follow that one's character will assuredly be the outgrowth of his daily habits of thought and their resultant actions. Therefore, daily right habits of thought are of prime importance to one's highest success in life.

While Christianity has constantly reminded mortals of these facts, through its ethical teaching, many have been content mainly to acknowledge and admire the high ideals of Christianity, neglecting to make daily application of their influence on individual thinking. Yet Jesus made this requirement an important point in his teaching. He said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Here is a point wherein Christian Science differs from many religious teachings, in that this Science reiterates the Master's teachings and provides practical means whereby its followers may successfully deny mortal selfhood and follow Truth daily. It is not content merely to present wholesome religious services on Sundays and Wednesdays to nourish thought, but Christian Science lovingly bids its followers transform their thoughts, daily, through study of the Bible and of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, and by prayer, which is indeed effective in character building.

These processes of daily mental cultivation in Christian Science are not oppressive duties to be attended to as propitiations, but are found to be occasions for joyful cooperation in the unfolding designs of the perfect, good God, divine Love. Therefore, the times given to daily mental work in Science are periods of happy refreshment, welcomed gladly; and improvements are accomplished with gratitude for the mental strength and wisdom thus attained by each earnest student.

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