Article August 1, 1903 Issue

The Giving of Testimonies

FANNIE R. WINCHELL.

It is manifestly difficult for some to make the demonstration of speaking at our Wednesday evening meetings, and my heart goes out to the timid ones who would fain rise and testify to the great blessings they have received through Christian Science, yet who are held down by fear, self-depreciation, or some other form of error.

Having struggled through the worst part of the timid and quaking stage myself, I can perhaps give a few useful hints to those who are now making their first attempts at speaking. I do not think I am expressing myself too strongly in saying that when the duty of testifying in public first confronted me, I was simply appalled. Being at that time one of the most timid of the younger Scientists, I am confident that the fulfilment of the duty would have been put off to a very distant day, but for the fact that my slight understanding of Truth enabled me, by persevering effort, to put self aside for the sake of helping others. To relate my experience in Christian Science so that I might hold out to others a "cup of cold water" was to me a beautiful and inspiring thought, and a strong incentive.

Having made my first venture, and two or three subsequent ventures, with this end in view, I was somewhat encouraged, but soon found that continuance of this work required persistent effort. I was happy, however, over having made a beginning, and thus having put my hand to the plow I could not be satisfied to turn back.

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