The educational system of Christian Science includes various branches. The Bible Lessons, outlined in the Christian Science Quarterly, the other periodicals, the lectures, the Sunday School, and the Normal and Primary classes were designed by Mary Baker Eddy to bring about a clear and demonstrable understanding of the Science she discovered. Every branch of education in Christian Science helps to lead human thought away from the limitations of material beliefs to the freedom of spiritual truths. Mrs. Eddy says in "The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany" (p. 252), "The entire purpose of true education is to make one not only know the truth but live it—to make one enjoy doing right, make one not work in the sunshine and run away in the storm, but work midst clouds of wrong, injustice, envy, hate; and wait on God, the strong deliverer, who will reward righteousness and punish iniquity."

True education fits one for Christian living, for the ability to demonstrate Christliness and the power over evil which accompanies Christliness. One of the most important branches of Christian Science education is Primary class instruction. The relation of this branch to spiritual progress is emphasized in a statement by The Christian Science Board of Directors, published in the February, 1957, issue of The Christian Science Journal.

Class instruction, outlined in Articles XXVI and XXVII of the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy, is designed to systematize the student's knowledge of the Science of Life and to bring inspiration to his study. Subsequent association meetings continue to supply him with both education and inspiration; they extend his knowledge of specific subjects and keep him up to date in his application of Science to the present needs. Class instruction fits the student to apply Christian Science in practical ways with greater assurance and success.

Except under abnormal circumstances, a human being's academic education begins in childhood, when his thought is pliable and he is especially teachable. For a similar reason it is better for one who becomes interested in Christian Science not to wait until possible wrong notions of Christian Science and its practice have become crystallized in his thought before taking advantage of the Manual's provision for class instruction. One is likely to be more receptive in his early years of study.

The self-taught musician may be quite unconscious of incorrect technique. And the self-taught Christian Scientist may find himself in the same position, needing to correct poor mental methods of which he is quite unaware. If one has waited longer than is wise before seeking class instruction, the door to this step is still open. Wisdom lies in not putting off the step any longer.

In Miscellany, Mrs. Eddy gives an explanation and a warning which is quoted in the Directors' statement. She says (p. 241): "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. 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."

Class instruction—because it is a provision in the Manual—is as much a part of Mrs. Eddy's plan for the progress of Christian Science on earth as is the forming of branch churches and societies. Just as the omission of church membership deprives one of spiritual growth, so does the omission of class instruction. Our Leader made each By-Law in the Manual a matter of spiritual guidance and demonstration on her part. The various Articles represent God's will being done in earth as it is in heaven. In other words, these Articles when obeyed bring about the highest possible good to the student.

Mrs. Eddy's efforts were always dedicated to the preparing of students to practice the truths of Christian Science consistently and ably. She declared this Science to be the law of God, and she expected her followers to demonstrate Science as law. Hence her educational system is needed to discipline students in their application of the knowledge of true law. All education requires work, and class instruction shows students how to work in Science, how to make their lives less theoretical and more compassionate in ministering to human needs. The student who makes class instruction one of the major experiences of his life is greatly blessed.

Our Leader guarded the demonstration of divine guidance in the taking of class instruction, as this precaution in Article XXVII, Section 5, of the Manual shows: "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."

In preparing his disciples for the duty of spreading his teachings over the earth, Christ Jesus, the Wayshower, said (John 14:25, 26): "These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

Class instruction aids in the fulfilling of this sacred prophecy. Our Leader's important provision is one-means by which Divine Science, the Comforter, is bringing to remembrance the Master's teachings, interpreting them scientifically, and revealing the everlasting dominion over all the earth, which is man's birthright.

Helen Wood Bauman