In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 583) Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, and the revered Leader of its hosts of followers, has set forth the spiritual or divine concept of Church, as well as its human application and demonstration. She defines "Church" as follows: "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle. 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."
To recognize and realize something of the spiritual nature of Church— "the structure of Truth and Love"— will enable the Christian Science student to contribute something to "that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race." To the question, "Is this outward manifestation of our church movement any longer a necessity?" the answer is, "Yes."
The Christian Science church services are helping to spread the truth universally. Some Christian Scientists may feel that they gain as much from quietly sitting at home listening to the service coming to them over the radio as they would if they attended church; or there may be one who feels that he has reached the place where church attendance is no longer necessary. Let him remember that it is the church which protects and disseminates the Word of God in the orderly ways of His appointing. Love for God is evidenced in loving support of and attendance at the services of His church.
