Many a Christian Scientist has thought at one time or another, "If only I could have taken class instruction from Mrs. Eddy!" Some who actually had that privilege have shared their memories of that precious time with our Leader, who was so obviously inspired by divine Mind. As one of her pupils observed, "It seemed as though the windows of heaven were opened and the light poured in upon us as she talked to us." Quoted in Julia Michael Johnston, Mary Baker Eddy: Her Mission and Triumph (Boston: The Christian Science Publishing Society, 1946), p. 149 ;
There is only one teaching—the course of instruction established by Mary Baker Eddy, the Discover and Founder of Christian Science, and it is outlined in the chapter "Recapitulation" in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Regardless of whom the student is prayerfully led to select as a teacher—and this is an individual sacred decision—Mrs. Eddy's direction in theManual of The Mother Church requires the course of instruction to be based on the truths contained in this chapter. Christian Science came to Mrs. Eddy through revelation. She was taught of God, receiving her understanding from the one divine Mind. She was a faithful scribe of Truth. Our use today of her instruction from "Recapitulation" assures the purity of the teaching as well as its continuity. In considering the value of class, we might think of Simon Peter's statement to Christ Jesus, whom our Leader so earnestly followed, "Thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6:68;
Our Leader's provision in the Manual for the Board of Education See Man., Art. XXVIII-XXX ; is a safeguard for class instruction. Applicants for Normal class—the class for teachers of Christian Science—must include in their qualifications a strong foundation and background in Christian Science and success in its healing practise. Those selected are instructed by an experienced teacher on how to present the course in an organized and metaphysically correct way. Those receiving the degree of C. S. B. are thereby qualified and prepared to teach.
