An inquirer, impressed by the teaching of Christian Science that in reality there is no material sensation, once posed the question: "How does Mrs. Eddy know that she has read and studied correctly, if one must deny the evidences of the senses? She had to use her eyes to read." Mrs. Eddy's reply in part was: "I read the inspired page through a higher than mortal sense. As matter, the eye cannot see; and as mortal mind, it is a belief that sees. I may read the Scriptures through a belief of eyesight; but I must spiritually understand them to interpret their Science" (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 58).
Here is illustrated how the true sense of sight, spiritual discernment, is supplanting "a belief of eyesight" in the experience of the Christian Scientist. Thought unacquainted with man's spiritual sense may read the sayings of Jesus and see in them little more than words, paper, and ink. But to the consciousness that is in some measure imbued with the spiritual sense of being, his words are vital with truth. They declare ideas that spiritual sense recognizes as man's substance and life.
In the universe of perfect Mind, the only senses are the senses of Mind. Only intelligence can really cognize. Actually, then, it is Mind, never matter or unintelligent mortal mind, that has sensibility. Man, as Mind's representative, inevitably has the sensibility of Mind; he knows, sees, hears, and feels what Mind knows, sees, hears, and feels. His sensibility is God-given spiritual sense, which alone discerns reality. Let us pray to realize more fully that spiritual sense is naturally ours.
