Answering a question as to whether Mary Baker Eddy approved of class instruction in Christian Science, her secretary, Adam Dickey, replied as follows (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, p. 240): "Yes! She most assuredly does, when the teaching is done by those who are duly qualified, who have received certificates from the Massachusetts Metaphysical College or the Board of Education, and who have the necessary moral and spiritual qualifications to perform this important work. Class teaching will not be abolished until it has accomplished that for which it was established; viz., the elucidation of the Principle and rule of Christian Science through the higher meaning of the Scriptures."

That this classwork is a sacred and joyous experience thousands of grateful Christian Scientists will attest; but both teacher and prospective pupil should earnestly pray for heavenly guidance before embarking on this holy enterprise. Class instruction may be had only once with a loyal teacher, and the pupil should pray for wisdom in the selection of his preceptor in Science just as the teacher must know that divine intelligence is guiding him in his choice of pupils. Section 2 of Article XXVI of the Manual of The Mother Church gives definite instruction to the teacher as to his selection of pupils. In fact, careful reading of and conforming to the Manual By-Laws relative to class instruction, given under the caption "Teaching Christian Science," are commended to all interested in this important work.

A By-Law easily and often unwittingly violated by those who are not awake to its implications is Section 5 of Article XXVII. It reads: "Members of The Mother Church who are authorized by its By-Laws to teach Christian Science, shall not solicit, or cause or permit others to solicit, pupils for their classes. No member of this Church shall advise against class instruction."

How innocently one might say to a friend, "I have just had the happy privilege of class instruction, and I do hope you will apply to this teacher too." Even this simple, well-intended remark may constitute mental interference with the working out of another's class problem. How does one enthusiastic class student know, for instance, that the teacher of his choice will meet his friend's need? Innocently, too, a teacher might say to a spiritually-minded patient or acquaintance, "I feel you are ready for class, and I should be happy to teach you;" yet even this would be a violation of the By-Law in question. Very evidently our Leader was directed to safeguard with the greatest care this serious, sacred experience in the lives of her followers.

Class instruction, when it is plainly Christian Science demonstration, when teacher and pupil are definitely led of God to each other, can be a taste of the kingdom of heaven on earth. But when personal influence, human planning, or pressure enters into the picture, cannot the warning of Christ Jesus be heard again (Luke 19:46), "My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves"? Personal sense is ever a would-be thief of spiritual demonstration.

What music is sweeter to a teacher's ears than the statement of an applicant that he has observed the loving life and work of one of his pupils! Here is indicated a service grateful students may render their teacher. They need advertise for him or for her in no other way.

When a Christian Scientist feels the definite urge for a larger understanding of this sublime truth, and after earnest prayer for guidance is led to discuss the question with a teacher loyal to The Mother Church, let him not be discouraged if the way for his acceptance into class does not open immediately. Again, the applicant may feel led to talk with several teachers, praying the while for Mind's definite direction as to the one who will best meet his need.

Seldom is an extended period for study and preparation for this forward step harmful to the applicant. The year that Mrs. Eddy's "Miscellaneous Writings" was published, at her request all classwork was suspended, as she felt that this remarkable volume took the place of teaching for that year. Therefore, what better preparation for class could there be than the prayerful, careful pondering of this great book in connection with the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's other writings? However, the following year (see The Christian Science Journal, Vol. 15, p. 781) the Leader directed the resumption of class teaching.

Sometimes one may say that he has been reading the class notes of a friend, or that someone has given him a book about class instruction, and he really feels no need to study with an authorized teacher. Right here we need to be reminded of the concluding statement from the article in Miscellany quoted at the beginning of this editorial (p. 241): "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."

In the first place Mrs. Eddy permitted no notes to be taken in her classes. Therefore one is not on safe ground if the notes that are being circulated and he is using are other than references from our Leader's works. In the second place, what can compare with the joyous upliftment when a teacher, praying for humility and heavenly inspiration, gathers with his Godselected flock to learn more about the glorious facts of being?

Our Leader, in one of her inimitable word pictures, may be said to depict the sanctity of class instruction when she writes (ibid., p. 228): "Who shall inherit the earth? The meek, who sit at the feet of Truth, bathing the human understanding with tears of repentance and washing it clean from the taints of self-righteousness, hypocrisy, envy,—they shall inherit the earth, for 'wisdom is justified of her children.'"

When a Christian Science teacher goes before his class echoing Job's words (Job 27:11), "I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal," surely the prophecy will be fulfilled (Isa. 54:13), "All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."

John Randall Dunn