Article May 20, 1922 Issue

Testimony

RUTH INGRAHAM

From time to time attention has been called to the need of exercising good judgment in the selection of the words we use in testifying at our Wednesday evening meetings, to make sure of being understood. Christian Scientists, stating spiritual experiences in the inadequate terms to which our language at present confines them, often use familiar words in a sense which may be quite obscure to those whom chiefly they wish to benefit,—the inquirers, who know little or nothing as yet of the new tongue which is gradually evolving for the expression of Christian metaphysics.

As an instance, the writer has heard the word "work" used in several successive testimonies in a way which would certainly mystify or misinform the stranger within the gates: "I did my work;" "I had neglected my work;" "I went to work." This would ordinarily mean the customary material occupation or duty of the speaker; and one who did not understand this term to indicate the mental application of truth to the overcoming of error, might well question why the doing of mere work, upon which so much uncalled-for emphasis appeared to be laid, could possibly result in healing. If the testimony is to be of real value to the hearer, the process could surely be spoken of in such a way as not to conceal the spiritual nature of the method employed.

To make the statement that one has been healed in Christian Science is good; but to state something of the particular truth which met and overcame a specific erroneous condition renders the testimony of greater benefit, as it gives a glimpse of scientific mental practice; and the hearer has something definite to take away with him for application to his own need. Otherwise, he may be left in the position of the boy who, when he cut his thumb while chopping wood, addressed the wounded member with the words, "Christian Science! Christian Science!" vaguely expecting some miracle to follow this vain repetition.

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