Students of Christian Science who have taken Primary class instruction (which is one of the happiest and most important of all human experiences) have the added gift of a lifetime membership in an association of the students. Although all teachers teach from the chapter "Recapitulation" in Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, each teacher's presentation of the teaching is individual and unique. A respectful recognition of the distinct individuality and identity of each association helps us demonstrate the brotherly love that unites and embraces all students of this Science in the teaching found in our textbooks—the Bible and the writings of Mary Baker Eddy.
A shepherd and his flock
A close relationship exists between a teacher and his students and between the association members. This united group, following the inspired teaching they have been given, could be likened to what the Bible describes: "I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord."Jer. 23:4 What a privilege it is to be part of such a flock! We are assured in Science and Health: "The pure and uplifting thoughts of the teacher, constantly imparted to pupils, will reach higher than the heavens of astronomy . . . ."Science and Health, p. 235
The teacher's guidance is continuous—not limited to the classroom or the yearly association meetings. The teacher's students share a common calling (1) to demonstrate individually and collectively the teachings of Christian Science; (2) to dedicate themselves to the furtherance of this Science; (3) to attend and support the yearly meetings of their association. The teacher stays with his flock, and his flock is not to roam. This limitation is a protection and a blessing.
Visiting other associations
Considering the fact that each pupil is best cared for at his own annual association meeting, and is needed there, why does Article XXVI, Section 7, in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy make a provision for pupils to attend each other's associations?
Certainly, this activity is too important to think of as a social visit. This provision covers the need of those who are temporarily unable to attend their own meeting. Another association may then invite them to hear its address. (They are not invited to the business part of the meeting.) This is a beautiful example of brotherly love within our Church. Visitors are grateful for the accommodation but do not "stay." It is a "visit." (The experience might be likened to that of a lamb separated from its flock: another shepherd finds it, cares for it, and returns it to its right fold.)
Cherishing our association
Sometimes we might wonder about other associations—what they are doing, how they are doing it, and how they compare to our association. Should we feel curious, let us remember that it is the message at our own association meeting that best cares for us. We do not need to look around for something different.
If we think we would like to attend another association because it is more convenient than our own, we would be wise to rethink why we chose our teacher. Convenience probably had little to do with it. We looked for the teacher who could best teach us, one we respected and wanted to learn from; prayerful thought was given to the selection, and that selection includes our association membership.
A genuine desire to fulfill our commitment and attend our yearly meeting is a form of prayer; it opens the way for us to attend. Under the guidance of divine Mind, we will find the way.
I had an opportunity to prove this a few years ago when a physical disorder threatened my association attendance; but the desire to meet with my fellow members and support the entire group with my presence overruled the suggestion of inconvenience or impossibility. With the loving help of a fellow member and the dedicated work of a practitioner, I made the trip successfully. Although able to sleep but little the night before the meeting, I felt refreshed when morning came. Taking a stand to be present at the meeting broke the mesmeric fear that appeared so limiting. I attended the meeting and listened to every word. This proved to be a turning point in the healing process, and I was soon completely free. The Bible promises: "A faithful man shall abound with blessings."Prov. 28:20
Because the Manual is God-inspired, we need to give special consideration to sheltering the student-teacher relationship. The journey from sense to Soul can be uniquely supported through a close and continued association with the teacher who has lovingly disciplined and instructed us.
We can cast aside personal attachment—whether to our own or another teacher—by knowing that divine Love governs us. Divine Love, Principle, understood and demonstrated, smooths our way; it elevates our affections and frees us from the impulses of corporeal personality. "In Science, divine Love alone governs man . . .,"Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 1 Mrs. Eddy tells us.
Should problems arise within our association, or should there be need for improvement, our duty is not to run but to stay and work! This is the time to express love, compassion, humility, and patience—and to intelligently seek a solution. The Bible promises, "With God all things are possible."Matt. 19:26 Situations thus handled bless and strengthen our association and perfect our own experience.
If our teacher is no longer with us
We need to be especially on guard and resist the temptation to wander from our association when our teacher is no longer with us. "The tempter is vigilant, awaiting only an opportunity to divide the ranks of Christian Science and scatter the sheep abroad; but 'if God be for us, who can be against us?' "Retrospection and Introspection, p. 85 writes Mrs. Eddy. How important it is that we retain our association identity and not lose the fulfillment of its purpose!
One of the tempter's subtle suggestions is that guest speakers do not satisfy—that what we need is a real live teacher. What the tempter is actually saying is that the Manual of The Mother Church does not properly provide for associations with departed teachers or that we are unable to do our part in carrying out the provision. But Mrs. Eddy has stated in Article XXVII, Section 2, of the Manual, "Those beloved brethren whose teacher has left them, can elect an experienced Christian Scientist, who is not in charge of an association of students and who is ready for this high calling, to conduct the meetings of their association."
The fact is: We don't need a second teacher. The business of our association, the following of our association bylaws, the selecting of suitable speakers, the fellowship we have with one another, the sharing of fruitage—all of these can show forth our teacher's teachings and the spirit of his or her loving counsel.
A guest speaker encourages us to continue in the way we have been taught. He makes us aware of the problems of the day and alerts us to work them out in a scientific way. The Manual provision for "an experienced Christian Scientist ... to conduct the meetings of their association," is God-directed, and it satisfies. We cannot improve on this provision. This By-Law prevents us from making the mistake of having two teachers. In referring to the action of her own students, our Leader, Mrs. Eddy, writes, "A general rule is, that my students should not allow their movements to be controlled by other students, even if they are teachers and practitioners of the same blessed faith."Ibid., p. 82
At times a speaker's message may not satisfy because a student is grieving over the absence of his teacher. We make a good start in overcoming grief when we stop thinking of the guest speaker as a substitute for our teacher. No one can take our teacher's place, and no one needs to. The guest speaker is an addition to the scene. Through his inspiration we receive an impersonal message of the Christ (for good is not limited to or bestowed through or by mortals but is immortal and ever communicated through Mind, not a corporeal person).
There is an important difference between (1) association members going to other associations to hear an address, and (2) a speaker coming to the association. The latter leaves the association intact and supports its identity and that of its members, while the former tends to disperse the sheep abroad and may lead to a weakening of the association. Unnecessary visiting diverts students from their purpose and deprives them of the joy of being in their teacher's fold.
If we are actively practicing what we have been taught, we maintain a feeling of closeness to our teacher. A grateful, listening heart reaches out and feels the teacher's guidance. Although my teacher passed on many years ago, his instructions are still guiding me. My association meetings are happy events, and we follow closely our teacher's teaching. Twice I have witnessed my fellow students unite in thought and action and thereby correct a mode of conduct that was not in accord with our teacher's instruction. What a joy to see faithful students pressing ahead!
Returning to one's association
If we have been out of touch with our association for quite a while, we needn't find it hard to return. It is never too late to rejoin one's fold. An association needs its members, and the members need their association; this union is part of the structure of the Church. Love for one's teacher and gratitude for his teaching will open the way for the strayed member to go back to his flock. The student's return will strengthen his demonstration of Church. It will also strengthen his association and the whole Christian Science movement.
Membership in an association is a very special experience. Nothing can take its place. It is an inheritance to be valued and treasured.
