Article October 13, 1917 Issue

Brief, Clear, and Effective Testimony

ESTHER E. WATSON

In thinking upon the giving of testimonies it has often seemed better to give more prominence to the operation of good in human consciousness, rather than to dwell too much on error's ways and works. Every one who has received help in Christian Science surely has experienced as deep sense of gratitude and an earnest desire to express it, not only to friends but at the weekly testimony meetings; yet it seems to be quite a common experience to have arguments come to us in the way of reasons why we shall not or can not give expression to our gratitude. Error suggests that we cannot talk so well as some others, or that our demonstration is not sufficiently great to be of interest, when in fact any and all excuses that come to us for not giving our testimony are but attempts to hinder us from glorifying God.

When a person wishes to testify as to what divine Truth has done for him or her, it is well to consider whether it is immortal Mind or mortal mind which is the impelling force. If we know that we of ourselves can do nothing, but that it is God who worketh in us "both to will and to do of his good pleasure," then the truth will be voiced in an effective manner.

We are reminded that some of the most wonderful of Jesus' demonstrations of healing have been told in a very brief way, yet clearly and effectively; such as that of the widow's son being raised from the dead, where a few verses tell the story. The account closes with these words: "There came a fear on all: and they glorified God." Again we read that "great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel." The wonderful story of the healing by Peter and John of the man at the gate Beautiful is told in a few verses, and we read that the man expressed his gratitude by entering "with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God."

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