Principle is invariable, infallible, absolute. Personal sense is variable, fallible, relative. Principle is divine. Personal sense is human. In all respects Principle and personal sense are diametrically opposed one to the other, in nature, in action, and in results. The effect of Principle is always good; that of personal sense is never so. Principle is expressed through its own beneficent law. Personal sense is made manifest by means of asserted laws or beliefs of the so-called carnal mind which are deleterious in their effect, because, as the Apostle Paul wrote in his epistle to the Romans, "The carnal mind is enmity against God," and it is certain that that which is at enmity with God, divine Principle, can work only ill.
Those who have not been instructed in Christian Science are apt, when they see the word "Principle," to think of something cold or abstract; whereas Christian Science reveals Principle as being synonymous with divine Love. It is creative, vitalizing, energizing, animating. It is the one supreme governing power, sustaining and maintaining its own creation or universe in perfect harmony. It expresses all the tenderness and loving care of the one Father-Mother, God, which in fact it is. On page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, defines "creator," in part, as "Spirit; Mind; intelligence; the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good; self-existent Life, Truth, and Love."
In the allegory beginning on page 430 of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy shows conclusively that personal sense is the enemy of mortal man. She points out in this allegory that personal sense works through so-called health laws, physiology, hygiene, and other material beliefs to bring about mortal man's discomfiture, and eventually to terminate his existence. But she also shows that Christian Science is able to annul the asserted laws of mortal mind and to free men from the supposed effects thereof.
