Inspiration is among the most essential elements of spiritual progress, and one to be constantly cherished. The revelation of Christian Science depends upon no human agency and can be touched by none. This revelation came to Mary Baker Eddy through her spiritual sense, and every time we turn to the study of the Bible and of her writings we should claim the spiritual ability to discern and demonstrate the truths they contain. As spiritual light grows stronger in our consciousness the seeming veil of the flesh is "done away in Christ" (II Cor. 3:14). inspiration develops, provided we faithfully shut out suggestions of confusion, density, mental dullness.
Paul pointed out Timothy that "if any man ... consent not ... to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, ... from such withdraw thyself." In this way Paul put his young disciple on guard against what today would be called erroneous suggestions, and impressed upon him the need of true consent as his means of defense. Whoever continues to indulge in any "evil surmisings" chooses to linger in the mist or myth of materiality. When so-called mortal mind tempts us to ruminate over fear, sin, calamity of any kind, Truth's command, demanding our instant obedience, is, "From such withdraw thyself." Mrs. Eddy writes (Message for 1901, p. 13), "It is not well to maintain the position that sin is sin and can take possession of us and destroy us, but well that we take possession of sin with such a sense of its nullity as destroys it."
Idols of menacing appearance delude worshipers into believing that the severity and power of mythical gods must be placated by some form of sacrifice. How much authority is there in carved idols? None. Their illusory influence is therefore not inherent in the idols, but is due to the voluntary subjection of those who bow to these mental images of nothingness. Isaiah lifted his voice against idols and idolaters, saying, "Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought" (Isa. 41:24).
