One of the joyous privileges which come to Christian Scientists is the opportunity to testify to the redemptive, healing power of God. Thus it was in Christ Jesus' day that they who were healed by the Master published the good tidings far and near, and those whose lives were transformed by Truth became living witnesses to the religion they professed. So, also, from the days of Mrs. Eddy's earliest healing work, the gospel of Christian Science has been convincingly preached by the great works done by our Leader and her students. It is, indeed, such testimony of healing which has helped to carry the message of Christian Science to the ends of the earth; for Mrs. Eddy says in our textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 201), "The best sermon ever preached is Truth practised and demonstrated by the destruction of sin, sickness, and death."

Because testimony to the efficacy of a system is convincing, Mrs. Eddy established the giving of testimonies as an essential part of Christian Science activity. Wednesday testimony meetings are held in our churches throughout the world, at which members of the congregation are privileged to share their experiences and give testimonies of help received.

Testimonies are regularly published in our periodicals, and both the Christian Science textbook and "Miscellaneous Writings" contain impressive testimonies of Christian Science healing. Emphasizing the importance of "testimony in regard to the healing of the sick," in Article VIII, Section 24, of the Manual of The Mother Church, Mrs. Eddy says, "More than a mere rehearsal of blessings, it scales the pinnacle of praise and illustrates the demonstration of Christ, 'who healeth all thy diseases' (Psalm 103:3)." That Christian Scientists generally avail themselves of these opportunities to share their blessings with others is well known. That there seem to be certain would-be hindrances to the giving of testimonies is also recognized, and we may well consider some of them and how to overcome them.

One of the subtle arguments which would restrain a Christian Scientist from speaking in the Wednesday meeting, or from writing a testimony for our periodicals, is that what he has to say may seem trivial to him. This is a suggestion of error, for whatever God gives of healing and blessing is always beautiful and inspiring. However simple it may seem to him who gives it, a sincere testimony is always eloquent, and feeds the longing listener with substantial hope. Let one ask himself these questions: What was my life before Christian Science came into it? What is my life now? What is the difference? In considering this difference, he will find material for a testimony that is worth giving.

Another argument of error is that it is difficult to speak before an audience. Many people seem timid, and the words they would gladly speak to friends they are afraid to speak to strangers. But are those who attend a Christian Science church strangers? Is any seeker of the truth ever strange, foreign, or hostile? No! And the prayerful realization of this fact will heal the belief in shyness, so that one can speak with a sense of freedom.

Sometimes one is hindered by the argument that he has already done his share in testifying. How strange is the so-called human mind! While some people are struggling for the freedom to give their first testimony, others are struggling with the fear that perhaps they have testified too many times. Both are troubled by the same enemy–fear. Of course, wisdom and a sense of the fitness of things should govern the speaker, but he may also know that he cannot give too much gratitude, too much praise, too much helpful illustration of the power of God to heal and to save.

It may be said, then, that a great hindrance to the giving of testimony is fear. We are afraid that we may talk too little or too much, or that we may say the wrong thing. What is the remedy? Upon consideration it will be seen that fear attaches itself only to the mortal sense of selfhood, personality, egotism. To him who realizes that God is the one Ego, the one supporting Mind, there can be no fear. So the way of overcoming fear is the way of overcoming the false sense of material selfhood, and this is accomplished by seeing man's true individuality as the reflection of God. To reflect God is to be always giving, manifesting, showing forth. Man's true being is reflection; man's true activity is in showing forth God's goodness. To one understanding this there can come no fear, because he knows that God is always, eternally, All-in-all.

Then if he will only be sure that his motive is unselfed, a Christian Scientist can always give his testimony with joy and poise. The desire to give and to share guides the speaker and protects him from talking out of turn, talking too much, or becoming the object of personal praise. Whatever one offers as a testimony to His healing power is a gift from God, and it is sure help His little ones.

A testimony given with sincerity is always helpful to someone. Because of this, one who wishes to speak may well choose his subject from his most immediate experience. The seeker is impressed by healings of so-called incurable diseases through Christian Science, but he is also profoundly impressed by healings of fear, resentment, discouragement, unhappiness, and the like. When healings such as these, as well as those which are called more wonderful, are related in a clear, comprehensible manner, every sincere listener will be benefited.

Some have said regarding the giving of testimonies in church that those who are helped the most are those who do the speaking. Why is this? Whatever lifts thought to express unselfish desire to help others is a benefit to one's self. He who speaks to his fellow men of the healing power of God reflects the Love that overcomes fear and weakness. To stand before men and express appreciation for our Master and our Leader is to place ourselves in the ranks of the courageous and the faithful. It is little wonder, then, that we should be blessed by our testimonies, even as are those who hear. Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health (p. 192), "Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power."

Would you be more joyful? Then share your blessings! In the words of the Psalmist: "Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. O let the nations be glad and sing for joy."

Copyright, 1933, by The Christian Science Publishing Society, Falmouth and St. Paul Streets, Massachusetts. Entered at Boston post office as second-class matter. Acceptance for mailing at a special rate of postage provided for in section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917, authorized on July 11, 1918.