Mrs.Eddy knows that when you cannot get a man to try--free of cost--a new and effective remedy for a disease he is afflicted with, you can generally sell it to him if you will put a price upon it which he cannot afford.

When, in the beginning, she taught Christian Science gratis (for good reasons), pupils were few and reluctant, and required persuasion; it was when she raised the limit to three hundred dollars for a dollar's worth that she could not find standing room for the invasion of pupils that followed.
With fine astuteness she goes through the motions of making it difficult to get membership in her Church.

There is a twofold value in this system: it gives membership a high value in the eyes of the applicant; and at the same time the requirements exacted enable Mrs.Eddy to keep him out if she has doubts about his value to her.

A word further as to applications for membership: "Applications of students of the Metaphysical College must be signed by the Board of Directors." That is safe.

Mrs.Eddy is proprietor of that Board.
Children of twelve may be admitted if invited by "one of Mrs.Eddy's loyal students, or by a First Member, or by a Director." These sponsors are the property of Mrs.Eddy, therefore her Church is safeguarded from the intrusion of undesirable children.
Other Students.