The ties uniting members of Christian Science students' associations are love for the Cause of Christian Science and for each other and tutelage in Christian Science by the same authorized teacher. The continuance of these associations is provided for by Mrs. Eddy, who writes in the Manual of The Mother Church (Art. XXVI, Sect. 6), "The associations of the pupils of loyal teachers shall convene annually."
The privilege of class instruction from an authorized teacher of Christian Science is rightly esteemed as a great advantage to the student, since this instruction teaches him how to demonstrate the healing truths of God and of man. It would be a mistake, then, to look upon the yearly meetings of an association of students as almost secondary, merely an added bonus. Actually membership in a students' association, with its annual meeting, is a strengthening, protecting, stimulating influence, touching deep chords of thought and feeling, yearly resounding. The association meeting is not a casual or social gathering; it is a sacred tryst.
Every association meeting constitutes a feast of Spirit, for which each earnest student understandably hungers. Mrs. Eddy's words regarding the Annual Meeting in 1900 can be applied to association meetings (Message to The Mother Church for 1900, p. 15), "To sit at this table of their Lord and partake of what divine Love hath prepared for them, Christian Scientists start forward with true ambition."
