Seeking to reflect, in some measure, the Church Universal and Triumphant, Churches of Christ, Scientist, are not founded on personalities or human "pillars." They stem from divine inspiration—being first conceived in the hearts of men and women awakened to the Truth, before budding and blossoming into institutions. Their purpose is to demonstrate and keep alive Christ's healing message. Jesus said plainly: "Go . . . and teach all nations ... to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." And at another time, "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."Matt. 28:19, 20; 10:8.
Impelled to share her discovery of Christ's healing Principle with the world, Mrs. Eddy established her Church on the words and works of the Master. She wrote: "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in BOSTON, MASS., is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant."Manual of The Mother Church, p. 19.
The Church Universal and Triumphant is not a human fabrication. It always has been and always will be a complete and perfect idea in Mind: the one Mind, God, the source of all creation, all intelligence, all good. This spiritual idea, Church, is anchored in Truth and held in unity by Love. To discern Church is to see that man is held forever in Christlike being as God's image and likeness. It is to feel the Father's love, signified by His sending "his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him."I John 4:9.
