In our study of the Bible in the light of the divinely inspired textbook of Christian Science, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, we find most beautiful and illuminating interpretations of the holy city, or the city of God, the city foursquare, Mount Zion, the new Jerusalem. Christian Science reveals that not only are these synonymous terms, but they signify the high and holy habitation of God.

The one most important teaching in regard to this city of God is the fact that it is not a place; it is a state of spiritual consciousness, expressed individually. Thus Mrs. Eddy defines the term New Jerusalem as "Divine Science; the spiritual facts and harmony of the universe; the kingdom of heaven, or reign of harmony" (Science and Health, p. 592). Christian Science demonstrates this realm of spiritual or divine consciousness, wherein the perfection of God's universe, including man, is found.

We have learned from the Revelation of Christ Jesus to St. John that nothing abides in this city "that defileth,... or maketh a lie" (Rev. 21:27). Here the water of Life is freely given to all. Sonship with God is here realized as the true status of man. This abode is filled with the glory of God; thus there is no need of sun or moon, and the gates of the city are forever open. Yet no evil can enter.

The student of Christian Science realizes that this ideal of perfection is attainable and that its attainment is in fulfillment of Christ Jesus' command (Matt. 5:48), "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." The Christian Scientist understands how utterly essential it is that he protect that ideal of perfection which he now envisions. He is aware of the need of setting a watch upon the walls of his understanding in order to demonstrate each moment that evil is not a power, for it is not God-created, and therefore is unreal. Whatever evil qualities may seemingly be implanted in thought will have to be annihilated; there must be a complete obliteration of all that is not good, of that which is not Principle and its idea.

In defending ourselves from the encroachments of mortal mind, the belief of a mind apart from God, we are building the walls of protection around our true concept of man— the temple of God—which temple, as Paul says, we ourselves are. In the light of Christian Science we speak of this wall-building as our protective work. We spiritually understand that, as God's ideas, we are dwellers in the New Jerusalem of Spirit, God, and that within this sacred city man—the temple of God—abides.

If we realized even in a small degree the importance to the world of our work, we would continue the labor without interruption. Mrs. Eddy describes this work when she says (Science and Health, p. 428), "To divest thought of false trusts and material evidences in order that the spiritual facts of being may appear,—this is the great attainment by means of which we shall sweep away the false and give place to the true." And she concludes, "Thus we may establish in truth the temple, or body, 'whose builder and maker is God.'" It is the defense of our temple, or consciousness, against the false concepts of mortal mind which is our work at this time.

All the effective prayers of which we have record carry with them some obligation on the part of the one praying, some work for him to do. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy says (p. 254), "Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can 'run, and not be weary; ... walk, and not faint,' who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement."

In steadfast effort lies our own protection from the workings of malicious animal magnetism, the activity, as it were, of mortal mind. In defending our expression of perfect man as God's reflection, we need also to see our fellow beings in their divinely real character and nature. It would be fallacious and inconsistent to seek to throw up a wall of protection for ourselves and not include our brother. The very purpose of the work in which we are engaged is to discern and prove the truth of man, God's idea, made in His image and likeness. Our watch upon Zion's walls calls for those qualities of Christliness which constitute man's real nature. Defending ourselves and others from the beliefs and false concepts which would seek to have man appear as a sinful mortal, a sick, diseased person, constituted of both good and evil, is our work.

Christian Science is the revelation of the Science of the Christ. It has brought the understanding of the perfection of both the creator and His creation. Christian Science gives us the understanding of the powerlessness and the nothingness of that which is not of God or of God's creating.

Christian Scientists have one of the most glowing examples in all history of the sacrifice of self to a Cause, and that Cause triumphant, in the life of Mrs. Eddy. At every turn our Leader sacrificed self; put aside the material for the spiritual in order that the Cause might triumph. If we are truly grateful, we shall sacrifice self at every place where it conflicts with the Cause of Truth.

The ideal of the perfect man is best upheld when we work together in unity and love, for it is in this spiritual love expressed collectively that we are organized against the aggressions of evil beliefs. "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Rom. 12:5). In our activities together, we comprise the church militant wherein we triumph over the aggressions of apathy and indolence and demonstrate the church triumphant. We are dedicated to the task of expressing God's nature and character. Our task at hand is to see the things of God, of divine reality, to have that singleness of vision which eliminates finite personal sense and brings to light spiritual love, which is free of all fear, sickness, sorrow, and sin.

The demonstration of our sonship with God is the pinnacle of attainment; it is the realization of perfection, which is one with joy, and gladness, and peace. It is the actual proof of Immanuel, God with us, the kingdom of God within consciousness. Spontaneously, gloriously, victoriously, we find our abiding place within the holy city, the kingdom of heaven, the realm of our God.