Article June 20, 1901 Issue

What do we Mean by "Church"?

BY MAE P. BENEDICT.

A short time ago I was reading the definition of "Church" in Science and Health: "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (p. 574). After reading it again and again, I thought: "What does that mean to me?" "What is a Church, or the church?"

In the building of a church, as in other structures, certain necessary steps are to be considered. First of these is the architect and his plans, then the location or site for the building. For our architect we have our infinite Creator—Divine Love—and His wonderful plan of life. In our own individual consciousness Truth finds the ground upon which it may build.

Next comes the foundation, we naturally think. But does it? Must not the ground be cleared of all obstructions? Must not our hearts be cleansed and purified, freed from the weeds and stones of prejudice, creeds, envy, malice, jealousy, and all unrighteous thoughts, until we are willing to say with David: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." This may be marked by many a hard struggle to uproot the false beliefs of years, the heavy stones of education and habit; but all-powerful Truth conquers, and the ground is cleared for the beautiful building—"the structure of Truth and Love," "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone."

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