Article April 13, 1929 Issue

Our Testimony Meetings

ETHEL MUNRO GOSS

The Christian Science organization is the result of the untiring efforts of our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, in giving to the world the truth which she discovered and named "Christian Science." Among the activities of this movement are the testimony meetings which are held in cities and villages all over the world on Wednesday evenings. In the order of service as outlined in the Manual of The Mother Church for these meetings (p. 122), there is a period provided for "experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science." In the notices read from the desk, and in other advertisements of our services, the public is invited to come and hear testimonies of healing through Christian Science. On whom does the responsibility rest for this portion of the service? The grateful student of Christian Science may well ask himself what share he is taking in this activity which is such a necessary part of the Christian Science movement.

Many subtle suggestions may tempt even the earnest worker, and deceive him into neglecting his part in this activity. One temptation may be a belief that the student has not yet demonstrated enough of the Christ, Truth, to speak in public; and another may be the fear of not measuring up to some statement of truth which one may wish to make. Then again the fear that someone is going to criticize his delivery, his voice, and his statement may try to prevent one from expressing his gratitude. But anyone who perseveres in the performance of this duty, in the face of temptation, invariably finds the reward of obedience in a greater sense of dominion.

To many people it seems difficult to speak of intimate spiritual experiences at a public meeting. To human self it may seem the way of the cross; but the crown of rejoicing is obtained through just this overcoming of self. Once we begin honestly to ask ourselves why we are not obeying this requirement, we may find many strange beliefs of selfishness lurking in our consciousness. It may be a sense of superiority which hinders us from speaking, or a sense of pride that fears one will not do credit to himself; or there may be some self-will in our unwillingness to share in this activity of the Christian Science church. We may think that we have no message to give, or that others can do much better than we can. Self-depreciation and self-glorification are extremes of the same belief of a human self which claims to exist apart from God.

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