Some form of restoration is always a concomitant of spiritual inspiration. The Psalmist prayed "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 154), "It is the purpose of divine Love to resurrect the understanding, and the kingdom of God, the reign of harmony already within us."
There has never been any cause or creator except God. All that has been formed is good, even as the Bible declares (Gen. 1:31), "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good."
The Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy, is filled with inspired yet practical rules, which, when obeyed, bring to light man's God-bestowed harmony and improve our human experience. One of these rules which have proved to be dependable over and over again is (p. 261), "Hold thought steadfastly to the enduring, the good, and the true, and you will bring these into your experience proportionably to their occupancy of your thoughts." Mrs. Eddy is speaking of the human experience here, for of course spiritual man is changeless.
Countless times it has been proved that when thought is held steadfastly to the truth regarding God and His image and likeness, man, an improvement in human affairs occurs. The office of the Christ, the true idea of God, includes the enlightenment of human consciousness and its restoration to the original glory which it had "when the morning stars sang together" (Job 38:7). Through inspiration one recognizes that all real power and ability belong to God and are reflected by man. Every moment of communion with the creator quickens one's discernment of man's perfect being.
To cling resolutely to the truth is excellent practice. To practice right knowing is to ally oneself with deific Mind, and this activity restores one's awareness of reality, perfect and spiritual. There is an infinity of good to contemplate! For example, when one understands that Spirit is the only enduring substance, he sees clearly that substance can never decay or disappear. And as Truth is recognized as eternal and ever enthroned, one knows that no lie of sickness or sin can dethrone Truth. There is no power to challenge changeless omnipotence.
The writer is acquainted with a young woman whose son was born with a crooked foot. The foot was turned so far to the side of the ankle that it seemed to grow out from the side instead of straight forward. The superintendent of nurses in the maternity home telephoned the Christian Science practitioner on the case about the malformation.
The practitioner began immediately to declare the truth regarding God's creation. With conviction she acknowledged His work to be perfectly done and recognized Him to be the only former of man. She found much inspiration in the study of that week's Bible Lesson from the Christian Science Quarterly which was "God the Only Cause and Creator." She prayed earnestly to become more aware of the glory of God and the beauty of His handiwork. Because of the inspiration of Truth which flooded her consciousness, something good had to be manifested outwardly. Within ten days the child's foot was entirely normal. His parents recognized this wonderful healing as evidence of the activity of God's law, eternally maintaining and controlling His creation.
In the realm of divine Mind dwell all its spiritual ideas, which, when utilized, correct suggestions of imperfection and in-harmony. Students of Christian Science are learning to search for and to recognize the specific truth which cancels the specific lie. Through their daily study of the Bible and the writings of Mrs. Eddy, they are becoming better equipped rightly to divide the Word of Truth, or to discern the particular truth which is applicable to the human need. Consecrated study maintains inspiration, and inspiration and restoration go hand in hand. In Science and Health we read (p. 390), "It is our ignorance of God, the divine Principle, which produces apparent discord, and the right understanding of Him restores harmony."
God preserves man's perfection. The understanding of this fact quickens one's perception of Truth and corrects distorted thinking. Demonstration is the visible manifestation of God's power operating in human consciousness. Isaiah thus voiced God's message (42: 16): "I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight." What cannot God do!
