Swiftly, silently, ceaselessly, sometimes almost without our awareness, it seems, thoughts enter our consciousness. How little mankind in general heeds them, and yet the harmony or inharmony of our lives is determined by the quality of the thoughts we entertain. It is possible to regulate and control our reception of this mental stream, so that holiness and happiness may be assured.

Christian Science teaches that there is one Mind, one intelligence of the universe, that is, God, good. Good thoughts are reflections of the one Mind, the one intelligence; hence they are Godlike. Then how clearly it can be realized that all other thoughts are spurious, untrue, without authority or power! In order not to be deceived by evil one must constantly and vigorously deny admission to erroneous suggestions of so-called mortal mind, such as fear, hatred, resentment, revenge, sickness, sin, lack, and welcome thoughts of confidence, love, tolerance, good will, strength, purity, and abundance.

"Stand porter at the door of thought." This wise counsel is given by Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, on page 392 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." Imagine a turnstile entrance to some large exposition where thousands daily seek admittance. The guard at the gate examines each ticket submitted. If a spurious ticket were presented it would be quickly rejected. Because of this vigilance probably no spurious ticket would be offered. Perhaps the guard, when first stationed at the entrance, found it necessary to examine each ticket carefully in order to admit only those who had the right to enter. But after a time he became so familiar with the right admission slip that he was in no danger of accepting a wrong one. Just so should thoughts be examined, and accepted or rejected, according as to whether they are good or bad, pure or impure, true or false.

When first learning to guard the entrance to his mental realm one may find the task arduous, and there may be lapses when one forgets to analyze thought, or may even deliberately give entrance to evil thoughts. Through sorrow and suffering, however, one learns that evil thoughts once admitted always make trouble; and thus one begins to keep a more careful watch over his thinking. As this work continues, right thinking becomes natural and habitual.

The Bible is replete with proofs of the power of true thoughts. No record more beautifully shows forth this power than the story of Joseph, founded in the latter part of the book of Genesis. As a youth Joseph was sold into captivity by his brothers, who were jealous because he was so much beloved of their father. Now Joseph must have habitually entertained good thoughts; for even when he was a slave in the unfamiliar land of Egypt, no trace of resentment or self-pity was found in him. On the contrary, Joseph manifested trustworthiness, efficiency, purity, and attained to a position of trust in his master's household. He was falsely accused and cast into prison; but here, too, because of his continued uprightness of thought, he was given a responsible post. In loving convern for them he asked two fellow prisoners under his care, "Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?" Then he rendered a service which finally resulted in his being brought out of the prison house. And eventually he was made ruler over all of Pharaoh's kingdom.

This might seem to be the climax of the story. But no; through Joseph's pure consciousness there shone the constant light of goodness, for the record states that when his brothers came to Egypt in great need, during a time of famine, Joseph with tears of compassion made himself known to them and unfolded his plan to care for them. Probably no ancient Bible character was more consistently loving and true in thought than was Joseph.

Good thoughts bring not only serenity and rightful activity, but also protection. Who has not experienced instances of protection due to entertaining Godlike thoughts? Who has not afterward learned of danger averted because of pure thinking?

The writer recalls an afternoon some years ago when, recognizing her need for drawing closer to God, she went to a Christian Science Reading Room for study and prayer. So absorbed did she become in contemplating the allness of God that she was unaware of the passing of time until, glancing out of a window into a darkening sky, she realized the breif wintry day had ended and she must be on her way. Uplifted and inspired she went forth with rejoicing. Later, she learned that during this time of inspiration and rejoicing she had been protected from a grave danger which had threatened, and of which she had been wholly unaware. How truly then could she appreciate Mrs. Eddy's words, to be found on page 210 of "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany": "Good thoughts are an impervious armor; clad therewith you are completely shielded from the attacks of error of every sort. And not only yourselves are safe, but all whom your thoughts rest upon are thereby benefited."