On page 583 of the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mrs. Eddy defines "Church" in part as "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." As we catch some gleam of the true nature of Church as herein described, thought is arrested, and we seek a fuller answer to the question: "What is the character of that which 'rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle'? Is it not constituted of spiritual ideas, whose substance is in Mind?"
Christian Science reveals to us that God, Spirit, is divine Principle or Mind, the primal and only cause of all that really is; that all which proceeds from this one infinite Principle or Mind is manifested as spiritual ideas, which reflect the nature and character of God. Church, therefore, is wholly spiritual; and upon our individual recognition and understanding of this fact depends our demonstration of the truth.
Jesus, in commending Simon Peter's recognition of the Christ he manifested, said, "And upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." While the true Church is spiritual and mental, until we arrive at that state of spiritual understanding whereby we can demonstrate divine Truth and Love spontaneously, for our safety and stability we have need of church organization, for, according to our Leader's further definition, "the Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility." Without the holy, uplifting influence of spiritual work in our church association we are apt to be negligent in our desire and effort to attain spiritual understanding. Mortal mind—error—is constantly presenting the counter-attraction of worldly pleasures and pursuits, and arguing that these are essential to our happiness. And unless our thinking be firmly established in the Christ, Truth, how prone are we to accept and obey these subtle suggestions which lead us into many and devious ways of seeking satisfaction.
