Article February 10, 1917 Issue

Building a Church

WARWICK A. TYLER

On page 269 of Science and Health we are taught that "metaphysics resolves things into thoughts, and exchanges the objects of sense for the ideas of Soul." As one ponders this statement in relation to church building, he is impressed with the fulness and thoroughness with which Mrs. Eddy has dealt with this subject in her writings, and the following thoughts are lovingly presented with the hope that the metaphysical aspect of building may receive growing attention from us all. The writer, however, has no intention of attempting to prescribe for others a fixed method of procedure in church building.

In examining a building it is found to consist of many parts. The first requisite is a lot upon which to build. Now a plot of ground, mentally considered, may be said to be that state of consciousness in which one dwells and works. What then shall we do with this mental plot of ours? First of all, it needs to be cleared; that is, we must remove from its surface all the accumulated rubbish and debris of careless and incorrect thinking. Then we must carefully examine our consciousness and frankly and fearlessly uncover and cast root out every thought which is not pure and godlike; we must root out and exterminate all the foul brood of envy, jealousy, hatred, malice, fear, anger, and pride; we must dig deep and clear away everything which would prevent our building from being founded on the rock.

Paul writes, "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." The foundation of all right thinking and living is undoubtedly the teaching and works of Jesus the Christ. His teaching may be briefly summarized in his own words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ... Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." His healing works were the proof of his knowledge and love of God and of his fellow man. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says, "Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing" (p. 136). To build as Jesus built, we too must lay our foundation by emulating all the works of the Master; we must love God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves; we must cast out devils (evils) and heal the sick, remembering always, as our Leader says, that "the corner-stone of all spiritual building is purity" (p. 241). Upon such a foundation it should not be difficult to erect the walls and bulwarks of salvation which the prophet Isaiah said God will appoint.

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