On page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy defines the ideal spiritual Church, and immediately thereafter states the nature of the church which as an institution is through its membership demonstrating the ideal Church. Thus, the ideal Church is "the structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." It is altogether spiritual, since it is "the structure of Truth and Love" and has as its foundation divine Principle. Nothing unspiritual, nothing imperfect, has aught to do with the ideal Church, which is a divine idea.
The second part of the definition of Church given by our revered Leader refers to the institution which is engaged in the work of demonstrating the ideal spiritual Church. It reads, "The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick."
Now the Christian Scientist is deeply grateful for the fact that he has had so clearly defined for him the nature of the Church of God— the ideal Church—and of the church which, as a human institution, is engaged in demonstrating the ideal Church. Both definitions are constantly before him as he endeavors to be faithful and steadfast, the first definition acting as a never-varying standard, the second serving as a guide to remind him of what is demanded of him by way of demonstration.
