Article October 9, 1915 ISSUE

Testimony Meetings

GENEVIEVE THOMAS PIERSON

The Wednesday evening testimony meetings were not appreciated by the writer when she first began the study of Christian Science. They were thought to be good only when all of the testimonies were strong, clear, and concise, and when given by experienced Scientists. This state of consciousness was, however, regarded as anxiety for the Christian Science movement, so it was not recognized as egotism and criticism. There was an insistent desire to stay away from these meetings, and a suggestion presented itself that the Sunday morning service was enough for spiritual growth,—an argument which, if heeded, would lead to the elimination of these mid-week meetings of manifest fruitage.

Thanks be to the impulsion of the one "only wise," that a religion which declares the word of God and brings forth fruit is revealed in Science and Health and all our other Christian Science literature, and that the testimony of healing has now metaphysical significance. The Sunday service is enriched by the word declared, and the Wednesday evening service is its fruitage. Soon after the temptation to stay away from these meetings, the first reader of the church which the writer attended, was heard to say that he had greatly enjoyed the preparation of the Wednesday evening readings. He was asked more about this work, and an explanation was cheerfully given which showed something of the time and care bestowed upon this branch of the Christian Science movement that heretofore had not been properly valued by the writer.

Interest was aroused to trace for one's self the symmetrical unfoldment of the subject presented, and the hymns held a higher place in consciousness than ever before. As appreciation of the endeavor of the reader grew, thought was purified and made ready to perceive beauties heretofore hidden in the simplest testimony. There also came the realization that this was a most wonderful school in which to learn to affiliate with our fellow men, an opportunity to accept gratefully the good and to pass over that which seemed to be of less value. Many lessons were learned after the meetings were over, in listening to expressions of gratitude to the different speakers, and what held little value to one was seen to be of great importance to another. This too was a blow to egotism, personal judgment, and the mistake of comparing one with another.

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