Editorial April 7, 1923 Issue

Testimony Meetings

Ella W. Hoag

Perhaps no activity of the Christian Science church is more palpably rich in blessing for the world collectively and individually than are its testimony meetings. They are unique in the world's history, and have within them the elements which will bring about finally the emancipation of all men from their sorrows and sufferings, their sicknesses and sins. No true Christian Scientist can fail to appreciate their inestimable value in the redemptive work it is God's purpose they shall accomplish. In them is afforded a glorious opportunity for proclaiming to the world at large the tremendous fact that the Christ is to-day healing the sick and the sinner in the same way and with the same glorious results that were accomplished in the time of Jesus and the early apostles. In such healing is the unanswerable proof that Christian Science is, indeed, the Science of Christ.

It is, then, the successful demonstration of this healing ministry on which the progress of the Cause of Christian Science depends; and therefore the testimony meetings are, as it were, the indicator which registers the rise and fall of the progress of Christian Science in any field. Does the testimony meeting apparently languish in attendance or interest? Then let the members of church or society inquire individually into their own mental attitude. Are they demonstrating in their own thinking and living the healing, reformatory power of Truth and Love as revealed in Christian Science? Are they awake to the wonderful privilege of sharing this blessing with their neighbors through attendance at and participation in these meetings, thus helping to transform the world by hastening the day when all men shall know God, from the least unto the greatest?

It does not take a very large portion of spiritual discernment to recognize that the Christian Science testimony meetings are what the material world objects to most seriously in the advancement of the movement of Christian Science. To-day most men are entirely willing to concede that Christian Science is a beautiful religion, and little objection is expressed to its Sunday services. Most of the world is willing every one should go to church on Sunday if he so desire. Also, men are becoming willing to go quietly to some Christian Science practitioner and be healed. It is different, say they, when it comes to a meeting where public testimonies are given of the present power of Spirit to overcome the flesh! Materiality does not want to yield to Spirit, and will claim to resist at every possible point.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

Testimony Meetings

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access