Article January 30, 1915 Issue

Spiritual Offerings

OSCAR M. ANDERSON

People who attend the Wednesday evening meetings may be divided into two classes, namely, Scientists and non-Scientists. The non-Scientist is usually attracted more by that part of the meeting which consists of "experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science" (Manual, p. 122), and it is therefore well to consider the matter of testimonies from his point of view. The question as to what the testimonies in these meetings should be, is largely a matter of personal choice, and as the question is an important and oft-recurring one, it is worthy of the prayerful consideration of all. Here it may be said that Mrs. Eddy's letter to The Mother Church found on page 148 of "Miscellaneous Writings," indicates very clearly the nature of the offerings which students of Christian Science should bring to these meetings.

Sometimes the non-Scientist is impelled to go thither by mere curiosity, but he is more often there because he is the victim of some kind of disease or other trouble and hopes to get relief. He has heard what Christian Science has done for this one or that, and he hungers for a crumb of encouragement from some one who has been nourished by that "bread of life" for which he himself is starving. He longs to hear the personal experiences of those who have been healed. Tiresome and obscure theological discussions do not interest but rather tend to discourage him. He is looking for "the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world," and he yearns for a comforting word from those who have sought and found that light.

The living witnesses of benefits received from Christian Science are its mightiest champions, and the proof of this is apparent in every Wednesday evening meeting that is marked by prompt, brief, and earnest testimonies of actual healing. Tedious sermonizing, long waits, and doctrinal arguments are worse than useless, for they interest neither the Scientist nor the non-Scientist. The Scientist may get ample instruction from the writings of Mrs. Eddy and from accredited Christian Science literature and lectures. The non-Scientist does not want sermons, he wants personal assurance of the healing power of divine Love and inspiring thought about it, from those who have experienced it.

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