THE erection of a Christian Science church edifice is the outward manifestation to the world of a labor of love on the part of the members, often covering a period of many years. The completed structure stands as a monument to the fact that the gospel of Christ Jesus, as understood in Christian Science, does heal the sick, comfort the sorrowing, and reform the sinner. After a number of people have been healed in this manner, it is natural that they should desire a church home of their own, a place where, as the Psalmist has written, they may "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." And remembering that the Hebrews were admonished not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, they begin making preparations for such a home, one that will also be a blessing to the stranger within the gates who is seeking for the truth that heals and saves.
After God had revealed to Moses the Ten Commandments there came the command to go up into the mount, where He would give him the "tables of stone, and a law, and commandments." The Word of God came to him saying, "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering." The fact is emphasized that it must be a willing offering, otherwise it would not be a manifestation of love and gratitude. This offering was to consist of gold, silver, brass, blue and purple and scarlet and fine linen, and other things needed for the sanctuary. Divine wisdom revealed to Moses the pattern for the tabernacle and its furnishings, including the mercy seat, the cherubims, the ephod, the table for the service of the sanctuary, and the candlestick.
"According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." The candlestick is a figure used in both the Old and the New Testament. The prophet Zechariah gives a beautiful description of the candlestick and the two olive trees by it. He pictures the olive branches emptying the golden oil out of themselves through the two golden pipes, and declares that "these are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." Was not this a prophecy of the pastor of all Christian Science churches,—the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy? Is not this pastor teaching the world the omnipotence, the omniscience, and the omnipresence of God and of His Christ? Is not the supreme object in erecting a church edifice to provide a place where this precious, this golden oil of Christ, Truth, which heals and saves, may be given to mankind?
