WHERE do new ideas come from? When a man gains a new viewpoint or a fresh inspiration, or when he thinks of a new way of doing something, where does this newness come from? Again, when through Christian Science treatment one becomes conscious of new vigor and vitality, where does this renewed sense of health come from? Does it come from matter? Are such changes simply the result of evolution working through chance combinations from the basis of old or outworn concepts?

In Christian Science the answer is that newness of thought comes to man from divine Spirit or Truth. Man does not manufacture the inspiration that lights up his entire thought. It originates in infinite intelligence, or divine Mind. We read in Revelation, "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." God is constantly revealing Himself to man; and God, or divine Mind, through the supremacy of good, acts upon human thought and corrects material beliefs. Thus thought is brought into accord with the truth of God's creation; and this right sense, though known eternally to God, may seem wonderfully new to human sense and sight.

Divine Love, the Principle of being, imparts both life and light. The natural and righteous action of divine might is to reveal, renew, revivify, and resurrect. Love would naturally do just that. Almost everyone is acquainted in some measure with the spontaneous joy, the stimulus and power, that come with a new idea. Discovery of a truth is one of the happiest of human experiences. Nothing is more welcome to the waiting heart of humankind than the triumphant shout of "Eureka!" as a new idea flashes into human thought. In the world's affairs it is a signal achievement. In spiritual things it is the coming of the Christ, or Truth, and means fulfillment, as the Messiah authoritatively announced. Every new idea which comes from God means a larger sense of freedom to the one perceiving it. It means redemption and healing, for the shadows of pain and torment belong to "the former things" that pass away before the realization of the omnipresent Christ.

The scientific discovery of the absolute truth by Mary Baker Eddy has opened up to mankind a never failing source of new ideas concerning God and His universe. Christian Science is a renewal of the gospel or the good tidings of Jesus' day. It is a morning light to the long-slumbering earth, darkened by age-old theories and material beliefs. It reutters the words of Jesus, "I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star." Being from God, and hence authentic, this Science is making its way; it is being felt; it is being heard. Closed hearts are opening and tightened hands are relaxing under the influence of "the brightness of his coming."

Are we, individually, feeling the power and joy of this universal renewal? We should be receiving this divine inspiration in answer to our prayer. Inevitably the result of real communion with God is that He gives us some new perception of Himself, of His nature and power and goodness. Thereby we also gain a new idea of ourselves as His children, and of all creation. This changes thought. This influx of new light dispels old vestiges and habits of entertained beliefs. The coming of the Christ is a law of enlightenment, which is thus stated in the Scriptures: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." There is an alternative rendering of the first part of this verse which makes it read, "If any man is in Christ, there is a new creation" (American Standard Version). So that either way, subjectively or objectively, the realization of Truth produces a renovation in our thought. Since divine Love makes all things new, it follows that nothing decrepit, defunct, worn out, or blighted has ever made appearance in the heavenly kingdom, which is ever at hand.

There is a sentence on page 492 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," which reads, "New thoughts are constantly obtaining the floor." Casually read, this statement by Mrs. Eddy might seem at first only a trite remark, no different from a hundred other comments on modern progress. But how inspiring it becomes when pondered in the light of that divine Principle proclaiming from the throne, "Behold, I make all things new"! This divine newness comes with absolute authority and effect. It compels recognition and gains a hearing. The thoughts which God inspires "are constantly obtaining the floor."

Therefore, we should ask ourselves whether in our own mental arguments we are consciously yielding the floor to fresh, unfolding spiritual truths. Are we keeping abreast of new unfoldments and hearing the healing Word of God? Furthermore, if we would gain a hearing from others for the joyous message of Christian Science, we should remember that ideas which shine with the brightness of recent inspiration are much more welcome than stale and faded repetitions of dusty creeds and dogmas. However, the identification of familiar statements of truth as God's ideas brings new and larger meanings to the Christian Scientist. There are many practical applications of this wisdom. The salesman, the inventor, the Sunday school teacher, the practitioner — all who approach their fellow men with promise of new light — can take much comfort from the scientific fact which our Leader has stated, that "new thoughts are constantly obtaining the floor."

And where do new thoughts come from? From our Father-Mother Love who provides the perfect idea for every righteous purpose, and empowers His own pure impartations to accomplish good results. Armed with this assurance, the Christian Scientist can face the world with confidence. He will no longer think of it as an altogether hostile world; he will know that there are many open hearts to welcome him, provided he reflects the divine Mind. To displace old false beliefs with new, divine, eternal truths will be his chief endeavor; for he knows that this means his freedom, healing, and salvation, and eventually the salvation of the whole world.