Article October 5, 1946 Issue

Inspiration of Association Meetings

ADELE NICHOLS

One of the wise provisions for spiritual inspiration and growth accorded earnest students of Christian Science is to be found in Article XXVI, Section 6, of the Manual of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. Here, under the title "Associations," our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, states: "The associations of the pupils of loyal teachers shall convene annually. The pupils shall be guided by the Bible, and Science And Health, not by their teachers' personal views." While reliance on these two impersonal guides is imperative to one's advancement in spiritual understanding and demonstration, the message given each year by the teacher is intended to encourage, correct, and bring out points of interest and helpful instruction. Its main purpose, however, is to impart fresh inspiration for individual realization of man's unity with God and the healing works flowing therefrom.

These annual association meetings are distinct milestones in the religious experience of those privileged to be present. If the pupils have been striving to obey this important By-Law and making suitable preparation both spiritually and materially, they will be "with one accord in one place" on the day of their association meeting. Great sincerity and love are demanded of us on this day. The overcoming of the innumerable suggestions that would keep us from being in our place at the meeting may be difficult, unless we maintain a clear understanding of the purpose of the pupils' associations.

Mrs. Eddy writes (Church Manual, Art. XXVII, Sect. 2), "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." Occasionally, a pupil of such an association feels inclined to remain away from the meeting because his teacher is no longer present. A consecrated study of Articles XXVI and XXVII in the Church Manual will help each student to do his part in making the meeting helpful and inspirational to all.

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