Article October 9, 1915 Issue

Fruitful Testimony

ROBERT NALL

If as loyal Christian Scientists we were called upon to take our place on the witness-stand of a court of justice or inquiry, and testify on behalf of our faith, what would be the character of our testimony? Would we be ready to declare boldly and without reservation the truth as far as we know it, and to affirm our abiding conviction in the fundamental doctrines of the Science of Christianity? Would we be prepared to say that we rely wholly upon God as infinite Mind and divine Love to heal sickness as well as to destroy sin? It is for each one to answer for himself. But there is this to be remembered that we cannot evade witnessing in our daily lives, and that the quality of our testimony may indicate our progress in Science and our courage and capacity to refuse material sense, to extirpate false beliefs, and to grow in the consciousness of Life and immortality.

One can never forget the experiences of Peter as related in the gospel narratives. Carried away by emotion, there was a day when he vociferously proclaimed his willingness to die rather than be recreant to the Master; yet not long after he "followed afar off," doubting, timorous, unhappy, until when put to the test of public avowal he plunged headlong into a reversal of his previous protestations of fidelity. Fortunately the graphic story does not end there. How could it? Next to John, one thinks that Jesus must have had a special love for Peter, for in him he recognized mental qualities that would make him valiant and true.

Is this not why the angelic messenger singled out Peter by name in the message given to the women at the sacred sepulcher, "Tell his disciples and Peter"? What a gentle, gracious, loving reminder that denial had not shut the door of hope, a reminder which was confirmed in the memorable assemblage of the Master and his followers at the sea of Tiberias after his resurrection! And the sequel? Read it in the early chapters of the Acts; and behold the transformation! Was there ever a more inspiring illustration of the power of Truth to be victorious over mortal sense? In substituting for the "old man" that "new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness," Peter was one of the first to be endued with power, and to become a witness for Christ in a world buried in materialism and the worst forms of idolatry. And of the fruits of his witnessing there can be no end.

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