STUDENTS of Christian Science, through much study, contemplation, and demonstration, not only make themselves thoroughly familiar with all of Mrs. Eddy's published works, but they also undertake to gain a clear understanding of the movement which she founded, organized, and personally led. These students are profoundly impressed with the means provided by Mrs. Eddy for their edification and enlightenment, with the great wisdom she manifested in safeguarding them from the unhappy effects of holding erroneous views of Christian Science, of its teaching, its purpose, and its practice. None other ever knew so well as she the dangers which seem to beset the path of the seeker for spiritual Truth who strives to order his life in accord with the unchanging divine law; and none other so wisely provided for the circumvention of such dangers.
As a means of directing the student's footsteps in the right way, Mrs. Eddy provided for the education of Christian Scientists through classes instructed by authorized teachers. Our Leader's purpose in assisting the progressive footsteps of the student is so clearly set forth that none may mistake it; and Christian Scientists wisely guard their thoughts against the subtle suggestions of evil which would thwart our Leader's purpose in this as in every other provision which she made for the propagation of the Christ, Truth, in human experience.
The founders of the early Christian church were fully convinced of the need for teachers. Paul makes mention of this more than once. In his message to the Christian church at Corinth he wrote, "And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues." In Paul's concept the teacher, no less than the apostle and the prophet, had his place in the church founded upon the Master's teachings.
