ONE SUNDAY a number of years ago, I began having difficulty with my back, and movement became quite painful. As I began to pray about the situation, it became clear that I needed to learn more about the true activity of man and Church.
For some time, I had been concerned about the security of the Church of Christ, Scientist. My prayers led me to consider the thought that the spiritual idea of Church is eternally secure in Mind. Nothing could touch, impede, or harm the true Church. No subtle attempt of the carnal mind could mislead or hinder the movement—the healing activity and advancement—of the Christ. The foundation of this movement is unshakable, incapable of being disturbed. After Peter's declaration that it was the Christ that underlay Jesus' words and works, the Master said to him,"... upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."Matt. 16:18. In the Glossary of Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy defines rock in its spiritual sense as "Spiritual foundation; Truth."Science and Health, p. 593. She also gives the following definition of Church: "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle."Ibid., p. 583.
On Tuesday I was still having difficulty moving about freely. After returning home from work that evening, I settled down to study and pray further. As I prayed, my consciousness was suddenly flooded with a clearer understanding of the safety of the pure, spiritual idea of Church. I was absolutely certain that the true Church is secure, untouched by material concepts. I glimpsed that Christ's Church is solidly based in Spirit. I was so engulfed in these angel messages that I knew healing was taking place.
