Article July 22, 1939 Issue

The Privilege of Class Instruction

HELEN DREGGE TRIPP

Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has given us helpful advice concerning the great privilege of class instruction in Christian Science. She says, "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" (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 241).

A student of Christian Science who sincerely desired to devote her life to the healing work, was not alert to this subtle error until her attention was called to the above statement. She had diligently studied and had applied for class teaching. But as the time drew near for the convening of the class for which she had been accepted, she seemed to lose all desire for more knowledge of Christian Science. She wondered if spiritual advancement would not involve too great a sacrifice of material pleasures, and bring a great deal more work. She also began to doubt whether she was ready for this step. Then came the realization that these thoughts were merely suggestions of the so-called mortal mind, which would try to keep her from receiving the good that God had for her. A great sense of gratitude for our Leader's wisdom in so carefully pointing out the remedy for any circumstance which might arise, flooded her consciousness, and she was able to go to class with humility and the sincere desire to advance spiritually.

To advance the Cause of Christian Science should be the sincere desire of every student, and to this end one should carefully protect himself against the evil forces which would prevent his progress and, consequently, his spiritual growth. It sometimes seems easier to call someone for help when things are difficult than to do the work oneself, and of course there are many times when it is wiser to do so. But the good work which the consecrated practitioners are doing does not excuse any individual from studying and working for his own advancement in the understanding of Christian Science; and class instruction aids him in doing this. Each individual is responsible for his own thinking, and it is his privilege and duty to watch his thoughts and make sure that they are constructive and not destructive. He realizes that only as he learns to reject false suggestions will he find the kingdom of heaven within.

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