Article July 26, 1941 Issue

Spiritual Vision and Understanding

Elaine A. Prentice

We read in the Bible that Solomon prayed for an understanding heart, and that his prayer was answered in the following words: "Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart." In the Proverbs of Solomon we read, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Solomon knew that an understanding heart and vision were necessary to man's wellbeing.

There are many proofs all through the Bible of how the understanding of God and the spiritual vision which the prophets had, were able to save people and nations from both disasters and diseases. Solomon in his wisdom prayed for an understanding heart, and his prayer was answered. The prophets caught wonderful glimpses of the truth, which lifted their vision above the material and enabled them to heal and save. But it was Jesus who showed how practical and useful this understanding and vision could be in human experience, although in his day his practical proofs were considered to be miracles and beyond the achievement of anyone except his disciples. It is through the revelation of Christian Science, as it has been given to us in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, that spiritual vision and understanding are made available, practical, and natural to all who turn to this teaching.

Mrs. Eddy gives the following definition of "eyes" in the textbook (p. 586): "Spiritual discernment,—not material but mental," from which we learn that true vision has nothing to do with the human eyes, nor is it dependent upon them, but it is comprised in a right understanding of God. This "spiritual discernment" enabled Jesus to do his healing work, and so it is today the basis of Christian Science healing, whereby the blind have their sight restored, defective eyesight is improved, diseases are healed, and accidents avoided.

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