The Christian Scientist who does not feel and frequently express gratitude audibly cannot be said to be a truly alert student or to be availing himself of all the avenues at hand for the utilization of his spiritual talents and knowledge of good. The same may be said of one who has received class instruction under the provisions of the Manual of The Mother Church, but does not regularly attend his annual association meeting. The benefits of class teaching, the student soon learns, are not limited to the two weeks allotted for this instruction.
Mary Baker Eddy, the beloved Leader of the Christian Science movement, warns those contemplating class instruction against the net that is craftily laid to prevent this step. (See The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, pp. 240, 241.) This warning may also apply to interference with attending one's association meetings. Class teaching in Christian Science offers a thorough and practical survey of the basic teachings of Christian Science, as revealed to Mrs. Eddy and transcribed by her in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." It should therefore be regarded as a step essential to spiritual advancement.
The association meeting is held on a single day each year, when teacher and students gather together to refresh their thought concerning the truths of the Christ Science. This meeting offers the opportunity to review the truths about ourselves as the children of God, and to reclaim our God-bestowed heritage; to receive fuller inspiration and enlightenment from the unfolding understanding of the teacher.
