It is interesting to note that when spiritual ideas appear, thought immediately becomes alert, wide-awake, and active. Mary Baker Eddy writes (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 463), "A spiritual idea has not a single element of error, and this truth removes properly whatever is offensive."
Should a question arise as to the difference between a material thought and a spiritual idea, let us turn again to Science and Health where our Leader says (p. 88): "How are veritable ideas to be distinguished from illusions? By learning the origin of each. Ideas are emanations from the divine Mind. Thoughts, proceeding from the brain or from matter, are offshoots of mortal mind; they are mortal material beliefs. Ideas are spiritual, harmonious, and eternal."
No individual can create a spiritual idea, but he can acknowledge and utilize it. Our first step is to desire these angel thoughts. This desire is prayer which opens up a way for the right thought to fulfill its purpose in human consciousness. The power of the idea naturally impels us to reject material beliefs. Then healing is experienced. In her article entitled "Angels" in "Miscellaneous Writings" Mrs. Eddy tells us that we shall know their presence by the love we feel in our hearts; and that we can depend upon them for our protection. She says (p. 307): "God gives you His spiritual ideas, and in turn, they give you daily supplies. Never ask for to-morrow: it is enough that divine Love is an ever-present help; and if you wait, never doubting, you will have all you need every moment."
