Editorial January 10, 1942 Issue

Sensibility

Evelyn F. Heywood

On page 204 of "Miscellaneous Writings" Mary Baker Eddy, describing the effect of the baptism of the Holy Ghost upon human consciousness, has written, "It develops individual capacity, increases the intellectual activities, and so quickens moral sensibility that the great demands of spiritual sense are recognized, and they rebuke the material senses, holding sway over human consciousness." When Jesus, after his resurrection, came into the midst of those disciples who, after the swift, unprecedented events of recent days, were still bewildered, frightened, indecisive, it is written in John's Gospel that when he had shown to them his hands and his side, "he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost."

He knew what their need of quickened moral sensibility would be in the work which lay ahead; how great would be the demands upon them of spiritual sense in their battles with malice and hatred. Without it Christianity could not survive. In that hour, he who had gained complete victory over all enemy forces bestowed upon them the Holy Ghost; in the measure of their receptivity, they were imbued with the Science of Christianity, purifying, enlightening, vivifying them.

How many have recognized and even thrilled to the great demands of spiritual sense; how many, perceiving the letter of the Word, with diligence and fidelity have adopted the role of the Christian! But if there has been no quickening of moral sensibility, if the weaknesses and self-indulgences of mortal character have been either ignored or encouraged, then the Holy Ghost has not been received. Then, as was to happen to Thomas in a later meeting with Jesus, though the outward evidence of Truth's supremacy has been accepted, the inner response to it has not been kindled. Until the material senses are rebuked in true repentance and regeneration, until sensitiveness to mortal demands has been replaced by that sensitiveness which alone seeks the will of God, the baptism of the Holy Ghost has not taken place.

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