WHEN the persons who become patient and practitioner for Christian Science healing have a clear view of this relationship, or of its contemplated service, this comprehension will help them to get and give the desired service, avoid what it does not include, and fulfill their respective obligations. This statement applies to both of these parties, but especially to the practitioner. The patient, of course, may have little or no information beyond what he gets from the practitioner. Therefore, the interests of Christian Science require that all of its adherents should comprehend the relation between patient and practitioner.
For one reason, many persons become patients in the course of becoming Christian Scientists, and their later usefulness as such is apt to be affected desirably or otherwise by their experience in this relationship—by what they get or do not get while they are patients. For convenient reference, the following By-Laws of The Mother Church are cited from the Church Manual as containing provisions which apply to the relation of patient and practitioner or to the service rendered by practitioners: Article VIII, Sections 8, 9, 21, 22, 23, 30; Article XII, Section 2; Article XXIII, Section 11; Article XXV, Section 9; Article XXVI, Section 9; Article XXVII, Section 4; Article XXX, Section 7.
Now and then, the belief is entertained and perhaps expressed that no one should offer to demonstrate or practice Christian Science unless he is listed as a practitioner in The Christian Science Journal. For this belief there is no basis. Probably it began with a misapprehension of Article XXV, Section 9, which limits advertising by practitioners. The error in question is refuted by Article VIII, Section 30, and Article XXX, Section 7, which declare the privilege of Christian Scientists as practitioners in the widest terms. Thus, the first of these By-Laws, after referring to the healing work, provides that "all who understand the teachings of Christian Science are privileged to enter into this holy work, and 'by their fruits ye shall know them.' "
