Think you that we all know Thought the power of thought, or know it *° even in a degree? The Bible says, and says truly, that " as a man thinketh, so is he." We are exactly what thought has made us; no more, no less. Upon the mental condition depends all else.n6497 ¶1
Error is wrong thinking. One Seif-satisof the subtlest errors, common hindrance to many, is the error of self -sat- to progress, isf action. How often have we heard it said: " The religion that was good enough for my parents is good enough for me." But does this person think that the candles which his parents used are good enough for him? Are the stage coaches good enough for him? Does he not delight in the use of the telephone, the automobile, and the electric train? It behooves us to be consistent, and to rejoice that we may be numbered among the growing throng, progressing in the onward march of thought.n6497 ¶2
Forsaking We can all have the companthe old ionship of good thoughts. Is new. there one who does not desire health, happiness, and prosperity? Then let us " put off the old man with his deeds (lay aside all wrong thinking)"; and let us " put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge (regenerated by right thoughts) after the likeness of him that created him."n6497 ¶3
Do we know that every evil Willingne8s thought which we think reacts to forsake against us until we have paid the thinking, penalty or suffered in proportion to the evil thought? Do we realize that each thought which we think will bring forth " fruit after his kind"? Indeed, we may not all be " like unto whited sepulchers," but should each of us look within, we would certainly see some error which needs to be eradicated. Wrong thinking lets in errors of all sorts. "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat of the good of the land." First, then, we must be willing to part with wrong thinking. The prophet Jeremiah declared that it is our sins which withhold good things from us. In the parable of the prodigal, the father did not run to meet his son until the son had abandoned his false way, and had come to him in meekness and in humility.n6497 ¶4
Evils of the human mind must be eradicated.n6497 ¶5
Every school-boy knows that a mistake, to be corrected, must be detected, erased, and the truth placed in its stead. If we are cherishing thoughts of malice, hate, hypocrisy, revenge, jealousy, resentment, self -righteousness, self-love, self -justification, self-will, pride, or criticism, let us be as willing, nay, as anxious, to forsake these evils as we are to fly from some robber or thief. For do not these wrong thoughts rob us of our peace of mind, our joy, happiness and health? And will they not steal from us our sincerity, humility, meekness and purity? " Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace." That countless millions are not at peace, but are sick, sinful, and dying, shows conclusively that they are not properly acquainted with God. That many thousands are manifesting greater love, greater health and happiness, greater holiness, peace, and prosperity, shows that the world is advancing and is attaining in some degree " the mind which was also in Christ Jesus."n6497 ¶6
Is it not time that the error of Earnest and the ages be uncovered and re- faithful enmoved, and that mortals be necessary shown their way out of bondage to sai|* into the freedom that God intends for them? If we wish to gain success and happiness, we must not only be willing to leave our old ways of thinking, but we must be obedient to the law of right thinking. If we would overcome some peculiar trait or habit, we must be constant, persistent, earnest and conscientious in our efforts. " By denying ungodliness " and by holding the perfect condition in our thought and working cheerfully and faithfully to gain it, we shall win. Each of us has work to do in overcoming the habit of careless thought with thoughts of health, love and purity. We cannot afford to be apathetic or slothful in our efforts. If we are obedient and faithful, we shall find our reward in character, poise, wisdom, health, wealth, purity, and self-control under God. Knowing that our thoughts and purposes are right, brings us that consciousness of peace and satisfaction which nothing else can give — the consciousness that trusts all with God.n6497 ¶7