"The central fact of the Bible is the superiority of spiritual over physical power." ^{Science and Health, p. 131.} This clear statement by the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, was the outgrowth of her conviction and demonstration that the Bible has a continually practical message for humanity. This message is— God, Spirit, is the only real power.

Mrs. Eddy was a deep and thorough student of the Bible, and she gleaned from its pages the understanding of God's allness, goodness, and absolute control of man and the universe. And her understanding of God and of man's relationship to Him as His likeness enabled her to heal others, through spiritual means alone, of the most serious forms of disease.

The King James Version of the Bible is the translation that Mrs. Eddy most consistently turned to for her inspiration and study. It's natural for English-speaking Churches of Christ, Scientist, to use the King James Version in their services and Sunday School teaching. Its ideas and terms are so illumined by the explanations she has given of them—and the use she has made of them —in Science and Health. There are approximately two thousand references from this version of the Scripture in Mrs. Eddy's published writings. So anyone who values Science and Health values the King James Bible because its content, flavor, and spiritual tone undergird the healing message of Christian Science.

Occasionally people who genuinely appreciate the King James Version will ask why the services in Christian Science churches stay with this single version when there are so many translations available in more contemporary English. Many Christian Scientists do turn to other translations of the Bible for additional study and research, and find useful insights. Mrs. Eddy certainly appreciated various translations and referred to them quite often. She valued the fine caliber of thorough biblical scholarship. But if we're not becoming aware of the depths of meaning in the Authorized Version, this very difficulty may imply that something more is required of us in order to grasp the treasures it holds.

Mrs. Eddy writes: "Rightly to read and to practise the Scriptures, their spiritual sense must be discerned, understood, and demonstrated. God being Spirit, His language and meaning are wholly spiritual. Uninspired knowledge of the translations of the Scriptures has imparted little power to practise the Word." ^{The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 238.} Spiritual sense is what we need if our vision is to go beyond words and terms and perceive the healing power of the Bible's message.

What is spiritual sense, and how do we gain it? Science and Health tells us, "Spiritual sense is a conscious, constant capacity to understand God." ^{Science and Health, p. 209.} We all have spiritual sense because the true selfhood of each one of us is man, who reflects the infinite Mind that already knows all. God is always conscious of His own nature and being. Man reflects this holy consciousness.

We don't really have to "get" spiritual sense, then, but we must demonstrate it in our human experience if it is to be useful to us. And we can do this by following the teachings and example of Christ Jesus.

Jesus' contemporaries were impressed by his deep knowledge of the Word of God, Spirit. They wondered, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" Jesus' reply has a great significance for us if we wish to develop our spiritual sense. "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." ^{John 7:15–17.}

Jesus could comprehend the spiritual ideas of God, not because of human education but because of his willingness to be governed in all that he did by the will of God. He loved God. He was obedient to Him. It was Jesus' pure Christliness and transparency to divine Truth, his love for and demonstration of true spirituality, that gave him his ability both to understand the deep messages of the Old Testament and to demonstrate God's healing power.

We also can demonstrate clear spiritual sense by yielding more fully to the divine will. If we're having difficulty in understanding the meaning of the King James Version of the Bible, or find it difficult to stay alert in church when the Bible is being read, perhaps we need to consider if we're really willing to enlarge our receptivity. If we do this, we will hear God's messages to us and prove His power through healing.

God's spiritual power is still present today. Progressively as we yield to the will of God, our spiritual sense will unfold. Then we'll find when we read or hear the message of the King James Bible the holy inspiration and understanding that enabled the Discoverer of Christian Science to heal the sick. Truly the message of the Bible is that God is the only power and that we can demonstrate His healing power.

BARBARA-JEAN STINSON

Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

Psalms 143:10