Article November 18, 1905 Issue

First Impressions

E. F. P.

Much may be said as to the character of testimonies to be given at our Wednesday evening meetings,—not that any should be barred, but that wisdom should govern their telling; and this in view of the fact that there may be many who are taking their initial steps in Christian Science by attendance at these meetings. First impressions are strong with many people, and those who are yet "babes" may be won or repelled, according to the nature and expression of the testimonies presented. Paul says to the "babes in Christ." "I have fed you with milk, and not with meat." The matchless wisdom thus displayed may, perhaps, apply more particularly to the smaller congregations, where the presence of strangers is quickly noted.

I remember my own first impressions of Christian Science. I was shocked at the idea of any one claiming to heal as Christ Jesus healed, and I so expressed myself. It seemed a sacrilege that I could not consider for a moment. I was not at the time a church-going man, and had not been for many years, yet early orthodox training by excellent parents had left a vivid impression upon me that spiritual healing was confined wholly to the personal ministry of Christ Jesus, hence my startled surprise at the character of the testimonies I heard given. A loving wife held me to the meetings, and I gradually began to realize that these people must have a reason for the faith that was in them, so I started to study into it for myself. I have often thought since how easily I might have been repelled, for the time being, had I early heard extreme statements, as I was not then ready for "strong meat." A parallel case occurs to me, and I will give it, as it helps to emphasize the injunction from Paul.

A business and social friend who knew of my growing interest in this Science and who tacitly disapproved of it, although in his loyal friendship he made no sign, other than quietly turning the subject to avoid discussion, finally asked to attend a service with me, and as Love directed the opportune time, it proved to be the Wednesday evening at Mechanics Hall, immediately following Communion Sunday. He listened intently to several testimonies, with a look of growing astonishment and doubt on his face, and as one "strong meat" testimony of a seemingly incredible character was recounted by a gentleman who announced himself as from California, my friend turned abruptly to me and asked, "Do you expect me to believe that?" It is generally conceded that among traveling men there is scant courtesy with one another in the matter of argument, and I instantly knew that I had to nail him then and there, or lose him, so without a moment's hesitation I said to him, "There are just two points for your consideration; the first is, that this man is a liar, that he has come clear from California, at an expense of several hundred dollars and several weeks' time, simply to stand up here and tell a deliberate falsehood to an assemblage of several thousand people, most of whom he never saw before and many of whom he never will see again. The second point is, that he really has been healed, and out of sheer gratitude to an omnipotent God, for his physical and moral wholeness, has spent his time and money to come on here and tell it."

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