Editorial July 23, 1904 Issue

Symbol and Substance

W.

In its dignity, its chasteness, and the uniqueness of its form as well as of the end it subserves, a beautiful church is the highest symbol of the temple "not made with hands,"—a consciousness which is the place of the Divine indwelling.

Everywhere to-day the gifts of devoted hearts, framed and fashioned together into noble structures, are being dedicated with thanksgiving to the service of God. These are worthy deeds, and it is ours to rejoice that Christian Science churches are thus multiplying. The real gain of all our giving, however, lies in the growth of the temple within, whose fair towers rise only as we awaken to Truth and Love.

The root meaning of the word dedicate, is to affirm, or knowingly declare, and it is interesting to find that in a moment of exalted realization the Psalmist has clearly expressed this nobler thought. "What," inquires he, "shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" and then, from the heights of spiritual apprehension, there comes this wondrous answer: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord." He is moved to give to God, and immediately his consciousness is pervaded with a sense of enrichment and of rejoicing. This is the reward of understanding, the harvesting of spiritual aspiration, that the impulses of gratitude and consecration open for us the storehouse of heaven; the Divine fulness is manifest until Paul's earnest hope and expectation is realized, and we are "enriched in everything to all bountifulness."

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Editorial
True Appreciation
July 23, 1904
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit