Article May 8, 1909 Issue

THE TESTIMONY MEETINGS

EDWARD W. DICKEY

A Christian Science testimony meeting is for the purpose of making known to a suffering world that our redeemer still lives, and that today, as in the days of primitive Christianity, people are being healed of all manner of disease and reclaimed from all forms of sin. These meetings should, therefore, be a matter of deep concern to every Christian Scientist. Those who have tasted of the fruits of the Spirit should strive that no obstacle arise in these meetings which would in any way prove a stumbling-block to "the stranger that is within thy gates." There should attend every meeting a dignity that would mark it as a place whose atmosphere is spiritual. Its tone should be such as would say to every wave of sin and sorrow, "Peace, be still." The reading should be such selections as emphasize the healing power of Christ, Truth.

The testimonies should be simple and concise. A brief statement of one's condition at the time of turning to Christian Science, and the physical, moral, and spiritual benefit derived therefrom, will always suffice. (See Art. 8, Sec. 24 of Church Manual.) Testimonies should not be given that would be likely to cause visitors to go away in confusion or in a spirit of opposition to Christian Science. In order that this may be avoided, it is always well to be careful of the testimony given, as well as the manner of delivery. This does not mean the exclusion of any case of sickness or sin, or that the delivery should be polished. It does mean the exclusion of all testimonies that cannot be readily grasped by the inquirer, and the avoidance of all technical terms.

From time to time articles and editorials have appeared in the Sentinel which request that we avoid the use of the word "claim" in our testimonies. Why this request? Because the ordinary inquirer does not understand its use in this connection, and the value of the testimony is wholly or partially lost. This also applies to an unexplained use of the phrases "mortal mind," "demonstration," "error," and "belief." Christian Scientists are rapidly learning the unreality of all disease, but they are certainly not afraid to say they had suffered from what was to mortal sense some particular disease, when by so doing they can help a suffering brother. It is, however, usually better to speak plainly, rather than to say, "I had a claim," or "I had a belief," and thereby possibly cause some one to go away in uncertainty as to the speaker's meaning.

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