Article August 22, 1903 Issue

Order in our Church

BARBARA C. ROE.

In Science and Health we learn that the Church is "The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle" (p. 583). This definition reveals to us, that our Church is not a material structure, a tabernacle built with hands; but, like the kingdom of heaven, is within man. All that proceeds from Principle is divine; hence the highest form of order or perfection of our Church, must necessarily depend upon our most exalted spiritual conception of Truth, the practice of good, and the demonstration of love. As these three essentials are requisite to Life eternal, so are they necessary in the disposition of all matters pertaining to our Church through which this Life should find expression. Truth includes all that is good because it is good, and can actuate nothing but good. There is but one way to understand Truth; that is, to practise the good it suggests. Scientifically understood, we find that Truth is the rock of our salvation, a mighty power which destroys all error, the wisdom and intelligence of the universe including man, that which altogether controls and governs divinely.

A church built on such a foundation ought to produce the best and highest results. The meek and lowly Jesus practised all the truths he taught, he loved those who persecuted him, and prayed for those who despitefully used him; he recognized at all times and under all circumstances the incorporeal child of God and no other. To have order in our Church we must build on the same foundation that he built upon; we must accomplish our work under the same guiding, controlling Mind that he was ever obedient to; we must worship the living and true God, not because such is the law, but because we love Truth beyond all else. This prevailing consciousness of Truth lifts us beyond all sense of personality, it destroys the love or worship of good and evil, and opens up avenues of thought that we have seemingly lost sight of. New ideas then begin to grow and blossom in greater beauty and perfection, and as these ideas multiply and replenish the earth, the greater becomes our capacity for receiving all that proceedeth from the Father; and we experience heaven with all its inexpressible joys and blessings, harmony and order, here and now.

As we continue in His love, and use it in every particular of our daily duty and conversation, varied forms of thought develop and increase; this variety adds charm and beauty and is needful to show forth perfection. Unity of thought controlled and governed by divine Principle will unite the various churches.

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