"The truth of spiritual sense"

EMMIE GRACE SMITH

On page 318 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy writes: "The material senses originate and support all that is material, untrue, selfish, or debased. They would put soul into soil, life into limbo, and doom all things to decay. We must silence this lie of material sense with the truth of spiritual sense." Here it is clearly stated that the material senses are the origin and support of all discord; but we are at once given the remedy: we are to "silence this lie of material sense with the truth of spiritual sense." Our blessed Master voiced this same truth most concisely when he said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

From what would we be freed? Sin, disease, poverty? Yes; but in all cases really from false, material sense, never from an actual condition; for matter is not real, and material sense cannot be true either. In our study of Christian Science we learn of the absolutely true sense of being, which is infinite, perfect, harmonious. The divine Principle of being, God, is infinite; and therefore the true sense of existence must be everywhere present, since God is the only presence. It is for us to realize this true sense which silences the material senses—proves their mythical nature. How may this be done? one may ask. How can one become conscious of this ever present truth, this harmonious sense of existence? By persistently denying the testimony of the material senses and affirming the truth of ever present spiritual existence. And to this task we must lovingly and obediently apply ourselves.

Let us suppose for a moment the case of one who desires to hear a certain radio concert. Can one receive what he desires if his attention is attracted elsewhere during the tuning-in process? No; he must give his whole attention to bringing in the desired station, and to shutting out what he does not wish to hear. It is the same with our efforts to receive the harmony of true existence. We must give our undivided attention to the truth, and deny error; we must affirm God and His ideas alone to be true; and we must know the nothingness of false suggestion. All anxious thoughts about material conditions, all planning and struggling, are silenced as we continue to declare God's allness.

Material things may fail us, for at best they are but broken reeds; but "the things of the Spirit" can never fail. The harmony of being is an ever present fact; and if we abide in the truth, we shall realize this true sense which silences the lie of material sense. But how can we reach this desired harmony if we try to attain it while our attention is attracted elsewhere? Do pride, selfishness, and false ambition prevent us from enjoying a sense of harmony? Surely it is only as we get rid of these encumbering beliefs that we can find ourselves enjoying greater freedom. This process is not of a moment, nor of a day; but it will be a duty while there yet remains a material belief to be destroyed.

On page 15 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings, we must deny sin and plead God's allness." Here the way is clearly shown. "We must deny sin," the false material sense of existence, and "plead God's allness." By steadfastly declaring the everpresence and all-power of infinite good, and denying the suggestion of any other power or presence, we shall find that the testimony of the physical senses will be silenced, destroyed, even as darkness disappears before the light.

As we journey on day by day we ever more earnestly deny sin, material sense, and "plead God's allness" and the truth of spiritual sense, infinite and perfect. In this way, step by step, we shall reach the absolute and true sense of being, where all is harmony.

Many little things in our everyday life tell us of the true sense of harmony. The bird's song, the babbling brook, the merry laughter of little children at play—do not these point to the harmony of existence? Do not the snow-clad fields and forests speak to us of the purity of existence? The glorious colors in sky and flower, the sweet perfume of summer days, the fruits that surround us abundantly—do they not all declare the goodness of God?

The divine Mind is the only Mind, infinite and ever present, and is expressed in all good. Whatever is not good, whatever is imperfect, is unreal, originating in the false, material senses; and this lie of material sense is silenced, destroyed, by the truth of spiritual sense. For God, Spirit, is infinite, All; and there is none beside Him.

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