Article April 12, 1924 Issue

The Foundation Stone

CAROLINE FOSS GYGER

THE Greek word (ekklesia), which in the New Testament is translated "church," is derived from two Greek words meaning "out of or from" and "to call, to invite, or to summon." That was the way the early church was started. Jesus called those who were ready to come out from their false beliefs, their reliance upon matter and the testimony of the physical senses, summoning them to turn to God, Spirit, to have their every need met. On page 2 of "Rudimental Divine Science" Mrs. Eddy speaks of the healing of physical sickness as the "bugle-call to thought and action;" and it is this same bugle call, resounding through all the Bible, that tells us about the words and works of Jesus. He healed every form of sickness, sin, and inharmony that was presented to him; and he taught his disciples to follow him in healing sickness as well as in preaching the new religion, "Love your enemies."

One day when Jesus was in the temple, talking to the chief priests and Pharisees, he quoted this prophetic verse from the Psalms: "The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes." This has again come to pass; for in this age the healing power of Truth, which was ignored and rejected for centuries by those who called themselves followers of Jesus, has, through Mrs. Eddy's revelation of Christian Science, become the foundation stone of the Church of Christ, Scientist. Without this stone our church could never be built. It is a "tried stone," "a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious." And together we should strive to see that this foundation stone is solidly placed. One member cannot do it; nor can two or three; each Christian Scientist has his share in the work. So let us examine ourselves frequently to see if we are doing what we honestly feel God has shown to us as our part in the building up of the true church in human consciousness.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 192) we find this statement: "Christianity is the basis of true healing." If the basis of true healing is Christianity, it is natural to ask, What is meant by Christianity? Is it not that which accords with the teachings and practice which have been given to the world by Christ Jesus? Then, in order to follow his example and aid in the noble spiritual building which we call "Church," we must constantly study his life, keeping it before us as our model.

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