Editorial September 26, 1925 Issue

Inspiration

Albert F. Gilmore

Psychologists variously classify the experiences whereby impressions come to human consciousness. But they deal wholly with the so-called mortal or carnal mind, taking no cognizance of the divine Mind, which Christian Scientists learn is the only Mind. Among the methods whereby the human mind becomes instructed, inspiration stands out as the means of gaining divine truth; that is to say, divine truth finds its way into human consciousness through the experience termed inspiration. In consequence it is often said of one who utters trancendental truths that he is inspired, meaning that he is, through inspiration, receiving divine messages from a source apart from his so-called human sense of consciousness.

Christian Science makes perfectly plain this experience. On page 512 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," speaking of "seraphic symbols," Mrs. Eddy says: "Spirit is symbolized by strength, presence, and power, and also by holy thoughts, winged with Love. These angels of His presence, which have the holiest charge, abound in the spiritual atmosphere of Mind, and consequently reproduce their own characteristics." And our Leader further assures us that these angel thoughts are expressive of God's nature, subjective states of faith and spiritual understanding. Inspiration, through which these holy thoughts are received, is a heavenly state which all may desire to experience, since thereby one is raised above the world of material sense into that celestial atmosphere where only truth and purity abound.

Mortals are little aware of the blessed privileges confronting them constantly, which may be fully utilized through spiritual illumination. How little do we appreciate the infinite possibilities of blessedness awaiting the heart which is filled with love for God, good, and which, so filled, turns with perfect trust to the infinite Father, truly seeking to know and do His will! Jesus, lamenting over Jerusalem, poured out the sorrow of a saddened heart: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Realizing the loss to these benighted religionists buried in the debris of dogma and ritualism, Jesus was stirred to his innermost heart, because he knew the infinite range of the Father's compassion. Why should we conclude that the divine Love is less compassionate now than in that distant day, or that forgiveness for sins is less available to the contrite of heart now than then? We are scarcely awake, it seems, to the unspeakable boon our Leader has bestowed upon the students of Christian Science in pointing the way through inspiration to receive the benediction which divine Love bestows continuously upon all its perfect ideas.

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