GLADDENED with the inspiration of Christian Science, a multitude of people redeemed from sin and suffering lift up their hearts in joyful gratitude for the heaven-born revelation which has come to mankind through Mary Baker Eddy. In grateful testimony they acknowledge that their healing by means of Christian Science has been accompanied by an awakened love for the Bible, and that the spiritual understanding of the Word of God is to them far more precious than even the physical healing. This is divinely natural ; for the Book of books, written through inspiration, can be understood only by those who have received inspiration. Christian Science awakens spiritual consciousness, which then gleans from the precious volume treasures hitherto undiscerned.
The word "inspiration" is a beautiful term in the light of Christian Science, with its teaching of the nature of God, good, as infinite, ever present Spirit, Life, Truth. Love. Spirit is the real life of man. "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing," said Jesus. Christian Scientists learn that this spiritual quickening is not only essential to their understanding and demonstration, but as available and abundant as the air they breathe; that it is indeed one of the blessings bountifully bestowed upon every one of God's children. One of the meanings of "breath" in the Hebrew is divine inspiration; and in this light the Scriptural word takes on a new significance, as for instance in the passage. "The Spirit of God hath made me. and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."
Thought enmeshed in the world's thinking grows weary, weak, burdened; but consciousness illumined by even a gleam of spiritual understanding, enlightened by the upward turning to the divine source, is transformed as the landscape is transformed and beautified by the sunshine. Workers in church, home, school, or business—each one active in his God-given opportunity for service—may claim their heritage of inspiration; then activity becomes spontaneous and joyous, while the companions of inspiration — gratitude, humility, love, gentleness, faith, temperance—bring to earth more than a gleam of reality. Divine service is the precious opportunity to express gratitude for all we have received through Christian Science, and through our Leader's demonstration. The real joy is in recognizing the divine sonship ; and the real activity is in loving obedience to this recognition. Man truly rests in God's care, rejoices in His beneficence, responds to His love.
