How much do we love our church? How much healing is in our concept of it? Are we lifting our gaze beyond the externals— beyond the traditional steepled building, the impressive monument to religion that is pointed out to the city's visitor, beyond even the simple, small room that holds a few earnest worshipers?
Are any of these truly "Church"? Natural and popular expressions, yes, but only symbols, nevertheless. Is there even one word describing any of these outward symbols in the definition of "Church" in the Christian Science textbook? Mrs. Eddy clearly sets forth the absolute, spiritual idea which is Church, and the activity that identifies it: "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."Science and Health, p. 583;
