Every Christian Scientist is a practitioner, if he is a Christian Scientist at all, for the word "practitioner" means primarily one who practices what he knows. But can we be Christian Scientists in name only? What would be thought of such statements as these: "I am an artist, but I never paint a picture." "I am a musician, but I make no music." "I am a bridge builder, but I can't build a bridge." "I am a Christian Scientist, but I can't prove Christian Science."
Our revered Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, has written (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 37), "It is possible,—yea, it is the duty and privilege of every child, man, and woman,—to follow in some degree the example of the Master by the demonstration of Truth and Life, of health and holiness." Are we really doing this even "in some degree"? The world does not accept as very convincing the mere fact that one believes in Christian Science; that he says it is a good thing, loves to talk about it and recommend it to others. The world wants proof, the same sort of proof which was demanded and received, centuries ago, when John the Baptist sent messengers to Jesus to ask, "Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?" Jesus did not say, "I believe that I am." He referred to his healing works, to prove that he was indeed the long-anticipated Messiah. Believing is all very well as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough. It merely gives one a start in the right direction; and whether one goes on from that point, turns back, or stands still depends upon how much he understands and proves.
Of course, it may happen that the student of Christian Science will come, now and then, to an unusually difficult place on the road, where a friendly hand is needed to help him through; but more and more should each one realize that he can prove for himself the words of John, the beloved, "Now are we the sons of God." Consequently, no passing event should ever be believed to have power to disturb the harmony of being. It is not divine Mind which would divide the ranks of the Christian Scientists into practitioners and nonpractitioners. That is solely an attempt of the human mind to classify all things according to its own viewpoint.
