One of the most important steps of spiritual progress taken by the student of Christian Science is that of class instruction, which is provided for by our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, in Articles XXVI and XXVII of the Manual of The Mother Church. Students will find it helpful to study these By-Laws as well as other references to class teaching and education contained in Mrs. Eddy's writings.
The question may be asked, "When should one take class instruction?" While each individual must turn to God to be divinely shown the right time for him to have class teaching and the right teacher to whom to apply, it may be said that class instruction should be regarded more as a starting point than as a goal to be realized.
Through class teaching the student gains a firmer grasp of the tools with which to work out the various problems of human experience scientifically and successfully. Consequently, the sooner he puts these tools to more effective use, the greater will be his spiritual progress and the more valuable his service to the Cause of Christian Science.
Mrs. Eddy cautions students against undue delay in making their demonstration of class teaching. She writes (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 241): "Class teaching will not be abolished until it has accomplished that for which it was established; viz., the elucidation of the Principle and rule of Christian Science through the higher meaning of the Scriptures. Students who are ready for this step should beware the net that is craftily laid and cunningly concealed to prevent their advancement in this direction."
