Article August 15, 1925 Issue

The Spiritual Idea of Association

GRACE NIXON STECHER

Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." So rests the Biblical stamp of approval upon the spiritual idea of association. Webster defines "association" as a "union of persons ... for some particular purpose." An authorized Association of Christian Science students truly merits this definition in its highest sense, for such an Association is for the "particular purpose" of obtaining a larger measure of spiritual understanding, with which to glorify God.

In the Manual of The Mother Church (p. 84) we read these words: "The associations of the pupils of loyal teachers shall convene annually." It was not until in recent years that this By-law loomed large in the thought of the writer as being a divine command which extends to each member of an Association of Christian Science students. Theretofore, such an Association had always been looked upon as being a very pleasant and helpful provision of which one should avail himself if convenient to do so; and it was sometimes made the nucleus around which to arrange a happy vacation. Now, in the light of this By-law, it has taken on a more solemn and sacred aspect, and is seen to be one of the God-ordained provisions for the orderly unfoldment and protection of the Christian Science movement.

As one beholds in the Christian Science movement problem after problem of seemingly gigantic proportions solved perfectly through the faithful adherence to the By-laws contained in the Manual of The Mother Church, he comes to see the immutability of these By-laws, He sees them as being as much a part of the revelation of Truth to this age as is the teaching contained in the Christian Science textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy. He sees them not as mere personal views as to the best way to conduct an organization, but as divine laws of protection which God has revealed through the spiritual vision of His faithful servant, Mary Baker Eddy. From the serene mount of vision Mrs. Eddy received these Bylaws; and each and every one is a direct invitation to the student to "go up higher."

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