Chapter IV - Christian Science Versus Spiritualism
Recollected friends
88:1
this not in dreamy sleep. In our day-dreams we can
this not in dreamy sleep. In our day-dreams we can
recall that for which the poet Tennyson expressed the
heart's desire, –
88:4
the touch of a vanished hand,
the touch of a vanished hand,
And the sound of a voice that is still.
88:6
The mind may even be cognizant of a present flavor and
The mind may even be cognizant of a present flavor and
odor, when no viand touches the palate and no scent
salutes the nostrils.
Illusions not ideas
88:9
How are veritable ideas to be distinguished from il-
How are veritable ideas to be distinguished from il-
lusions? By learning the origin of each. Ideas are
emanations from the divine Mind. Thoughts,
proceeding from the brain or from matter, are
offshoots of mortal mind; they are mortal material be-
liefs. Ideas are spiritual, harmonious, and eternal. Beliefs
proceed from the so-called material senses, which at one
time are supposed to be substance-matter and at another
are called spirits.
88:18
To love one's neighbor as one's self, is a divine idea;
To love one's neighbor as one's self, is a divine idea;
but this idea can never be seen, felt, nor understood
through the physical senses. Excite the organ of ven-
eration or religious faith, and the individual manifests
profound adoration. Excite the opposite development,
and he blasphemes. These effects, however, do not pro-
ceed from Christianity, nor are they spiritual phenomena,
for both arise from mortal belief.
Trance speaking illusion
88:26
Eloquence re-echoes the strains of Truth and Love.
Eloquence re-echoes the strains of Truth and Love.
It is due to inspiration rather than to erudition. It shows
the possibilities derived from divine Mind,
though it is said to be a gift whose endowment
is obtained from books or received from the
impulsion of departed spirits. When eloquence proceeds
from the belief that a departed spirit is speaking, who