The more a student of Christian Science studies the life and works of Mary Baker Eddy the more convinced he becomes that every activity of the Church which she founded and every By-Law which she incorporated in the Church Manual has a deep significance. While we may participate in the activities of The Mother Church, and perceive that all the By-Laws of the Manual are important to the welfare and progress of our Cause, yet only as we grow in experience do we begin to glimpse their spiritual significance. We see that these Rules are not merely designed to steady and guide our human steps, but they demand the demonstration of great spiritual facts. All that is included within the Church Manual was inspired by divine wisdom, and as we take the steps indicated therein, not only are we obedient to Mrs. Eddy's vision and sharing her demonstration, but we are drawing nearer to that full understanding of God and man which leaves us conscious only of spiritual perfection, goodness, and harmony, in which there is no vestige of belief in any other existence.
One of the By-Laws in the Manual provides for class instruction by an authorized teacher. The taking of this step, as the result of prayerful thought on the part of both teacher and pupil, should bring a great influx of light to that human consciousness which is earnestly and sincerely seeking Truth. Class instruction in Christian Science gives the student a deeper and fuller understanding of God and man, and of man's relationship to God. Such instruction also includes an exposition of the illusion called evil. After the class, the pupil should realize more clearly the unreality, the nothingness, of matter or error, and have a clearer sense of the presence and allness of God, good, thus increasing his ability to heal.
Such a forward step must bless not only the student but to some extent the whole world. The teaching of a class, then, seen in this perspective, is an event of great spiritual importance. Since this is so, the alert student will know that the suggestions which would try to prevent his taking the step at the right time are but mortal mind's resistance to the acceptance of Truth, and have no reality or power. As the student is watchful to see that he is guided only by divine Mind, no thought of animosity, personal attraction, human judgment, or prejudice will influence his selection of a teacher, hold him back from making proper application, wherever the location of the teacher may be, or prevent him from making the necessary demonstration of being in his place when the time for class comes.
