Article January 15, 1938 Issue

Giving a Testimony

IRENE RENEW

What Christian Scientist has not felt a thrill of spiritual joy and self-mastery when, in spite of fearful trembling, he has given a testimony at a Wednesday evening service! Perhaps for many months the desire to speak had been present with him, but fear had seemed to chain him to the seat. Slowly, but surely, the realization that gratitude to God is greater than fear impelled him to stand up and declare the manifold ways in which divine Love had met his needs.

One definition of testify is "to declare or make known freely or publicly." Who, more than the Scientist, could be eager to declare the wonders of God's love and His supporting influence in affliction and at all times? Mary Baker Eddy considered testimonies of healing so important that she included in the Manual of The Mother Church a By-Law pertinent to giving them. In Article VIII, Section 24, in terse and vigorous phrasing she states: "Testimony in regard to the healing of the sick is highly important. 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)." Now the testimony which "scales the pinnacle of praise" ascends to the highest point, for the healing which is related shows forth the demonstration of Christ, or Truth. Frequent prayerful reference and obedience to this By-Law will assuredly dispel the illusions of apathy, selfishness, or fear.

How happily one Scientist recalls giving her first testimony! She had received a wonderful healing of a disease which, it was supposed, only surgery could cure. When a complete healing was realized through Christian Science, a great desire was felt to express her gratitude at the Wednesday service for the joy, strength, and revived interest in living which accompanied this healing. But to her the thought of speaking publicly before so many people was terrifying. After a protracted struggle to overcome fear and self-condemnation she rose and spoke briefly of her healing.

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