A Young student of Christian Science had become a member of a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts, just before being inducted into the United States Army. At times when he was tired, cold, depressed, even hungry, and the temptation was incessant to admit the reality of evil, this soldier found that his church connection was both an anchor and a shield. He was grateful that he had been considered worthy of the privilege of becoming a member of the church. He was also alert to the responsibilities and duties involved in maintaining the required Christian standard of thought. This state of mind strengthened his moral courage and enabled him to resist temptation.
On returning to civil life, he saw that there was still need for defense against the subtle claims of evil. And again he found his church membership valuable in shielding him. It inspired him to further research in the Bible and the works of Mary Baker Eddy, revelator of Christian Science, that he might gain a more definite understanding of the meaning of Church. Today he appreciates the great influence of the Church of Christ, Scientist, for the protection and progress of mankind.
The definition of "Church" given by Mrs. Eddy in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," is in part as follows (p. 583): "Church. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." Christian Science teaches the allness of God; that He is divine Principle; that He is the source of all existence, of all intelligence, all substance, all action.
