Article August 23, 1924 Issue

The Portals of the Church

ORLANDO J. MC CLURE

The student of Christian Science is unceasingly grateful for the enlarged vision of church which Mary Baker Eddy has given to the world. An organization whose members are in agreement as to the means of salvation, and which holds services for the purpose of divine worship, has for centuries been regarded as a church. The best known dictionaries and encyclopedias bear out the commonly accepted statement that a church is a formally organized body of Christians worshiping together.

That Mrs. Eddy had a very deep respect and love for the church in general and that she was profoundly grateful for the good it had accomplished for mankind are evidenced through her writings and by her many acts of kindness and generosity. But her great discovery of the allness of God and the consequent nothingness of matter, or evil, was destined to give a new meaning of church—a meaning which turns to its portals those who "labour and are heavy laden," brings ease from pain, and uplifts consciousness to a realization of the fact that God is ever available for the destruction of every form of error.

On page 583 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mrs. Eddy gives the following definition: "Church. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle." Even a casual study of this definition makes it clear that our Leader's concept of church embraces all right activity, and that it is that with which we must unite ourselves for the carrying on of God's work. Those who cross the portals of the church which Mrs. Eddy has established will find blessings awaiting them in proportion as they acknowledge its pure purpose and strive humbly, honestly, and unselfishly to serve the Cause of Truth and Love. This motive demonstrates the true relationship of the individual to the church; and thereby he is made ready for increased understanding and growth. This affiliation constitutes oneness with the Cause of Christian Science, and is available to those whose steps have only to-day turned toward "the structure of Truth and Love," as well as to those who enjoy the privilege of church membership.

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