One college professor giving instruction in writing begins each new course with the challenging statement, "If you can think, you can learn to write." A magazine editor, seeking new material to publish, tells prospective contributors, "It is the idea that counts." A successful writer defines good writing as "clear thinking in print."
Such statements are not made from a metaphysical standpoint, but they have peculiar significance to the student of Christian Science. A Christian Scientist realizes that clear, constructive thinking and right ideas are far more important than is mere knowledge of the mechanics and technique of writing, valuable as the latter may be. He knows too that clear thinking and right ideas are not talents peculiar to certain individuals, nor are they self-produced or derived from a mortal brain or intelligence. He knows that they are the expression, the abundant outpouring, of divine intelligence reflected by man. They are the present manifestation of man's ever-unfolding and inexhaustible creator, Mind. Thus each one may claim his rightful exercise of these qualities with the freedom of expression they bring.
That Christian Science, whose efficacy in healing disease and overcoming sin is widely recognized, can also be of assistance in such everyday human affairs as learning how to write was proved in the following experience. A student of this Science discouraged by rebuffs from editors, disheartened by rejection slips sent back with all his manuscripts, had decided to give up as hopeless his years of effort to write for publication. However, for guidance and comfort in this situation he turned in wholehearted reliance to the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy, In searching the Scriptures he found a practical application to his own problem of Jesus' admonitions to those who were called to follow him (Luke 9:60, 62). To one, who said he would have to go and bury his father before he could follow Jesus, the Master said, "Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God." To another, who said he must first go home to say good-by, Jesus replied, "No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
