When Moses was called by God to deliver the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage, he protested that they would neither believe nor listen to him. God then gave him two signs. The first was the changing of the rod into a serpent and back again to the rod. The second was the healing of his leprous hand. God said (Ex. 4:8), "If they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, ... they will believe the voice of the latter sign."

With the rare wisdom which she expressed in the work of establishing and safeguarding her great discovery, Mary Baker Eddy has made provision for the giving of testimonies at each Wednesday meeting. In the Manual of The Mother Church she writes (Art. VIII, Sect. 24): "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)."

For centuries the Christian church has claimed to bring inspiration and regeneration, but at the same time has relied upon material means for the healing of lack, grief, disease. Healing through spiritual means alone separates Science from all other religions. Healing of discordant conditions is the credential, as it were, which the student of Christian Science presents to show that Christian Science is a practical religion.

The Christian Scientist is deeply grateful for all the blessings which have come to him through his study of this precious Science. Sometimes, however, he permits mortal mind to keep him from magnifying the Lord, from voicing his gratitude at the Wednesday testimony meetings for the benefits he has received. Christian Science practitioners are not the only ones responsible for expressing gratitude and joy at these meetings; it is the obligation as well as the privilege of every member of Churches of Christ, Scientist. It is also the privilege of those not yet members to share the blessings which have come to them through the healing ministry of Christian Science.

The blessings which accrue to the one who pours forth a paean of praise cannot be measured. One will find that he grows mentally stronger and richer by overcoming the suggestion that it is much more pleasant to sit quietly and listen to what others give than to testify. But should we always be willing to receive and give nothing in return? Why this reticence or fear to express gratitude for our blessings? Suggestions that what he has to say may be of little interest to those listening or that others are better qualified to speak—these and many other arguments of like nature oftentimes harass the student who has an earnest desire to glorify God. We can rebuke these suggestions by knowing that they are not from God, infinite Love, who is the only Mind of His children. When our desire is to magnify God, we can speak with perfect freedom and fearlessness.

How beautifully our Leader expresses this in "Pulpit and Press," where she writes (p. 3), "Know, then, that you possess sovereign power to think and act rightly, and that nothing can dispossess you of this heritage and trespass on Love." She adds: "Our surety is in our confidence that we are indeed dwellers in Truth and Love, man's eternal mansion. Such a heavenly assurance ends all warfare, and bids tumult cease, for the good fight we have waged is over, and divine Love gives us the true sense of victory."

Many who attend our Wednesday meetings come hungering for some spiritual truth which will lighten their heavy burdens. Others come hoping to hear of the healing of a physical discord which they may be struggling to overcome. Shall they go away disappointed because the truth which would meet their need remains unspoken? The testimony which, is sure to reach a receptive thought is that one which is given with deep sincerity, even though the words may be simply spoken. The earnest and spontaneous outpouring of love and gratitude which prompts it may wing its way to some lonely heart that is seeking comfort and help, thus opening the door to a broader and richer life.

Such an instance occurred some years ago. One who was away from home and friends aimlessly followed some people into a Church of Christ. Scientist, for the Thanksgiving Day service. Among those recounting their blessings was a woman who, evidently unaccustomed to speaking in public, gave her testimony in a trembling, somewhat frightened voice. But the humble, loving spirit of gratitude which accompanied her words deeply touched this stranger. Some time later he returned to the same church and expressed his appreciation for that simple testimony. He said that he had become a student of Christian Science and was active in a branch church. The woman had been quite unaware that she was giving a cup of cold water to a thirsty pilgrim.

Have you a problem which has challenged your spiritual understanding and efforts to solve it? Then give thanks not because you have a problem, but because you have Christian Science with which to meet and master every phase of error that claims to confront you. In the Bible we read (Rev. 12:10, 11): "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him ... by the word of their testimony; and the loved not their lives unto the death."

Christian Science does not attempt to make sick matter into well matter, This Science teacher us to turn thought away from the material senses, which would have us believe that man is a sick, sinful mortal, to the spiritual senses, which reveal the man of God's creating, perfect, joyous, free, and complete.

Another time at a Wednesday evening meeting a student of Christian Science expressed gratitude to God for the healing of lung trouble. After the service a woman approached this student and with tears of joy said that she had been instantaneously healed during the giving of that testimony. Some years later the same student expressed joy for the healing of a sore throat, This, too, brought instantaneous healing to one in the congregation suffering from the same malady. "Bring ye all the tithes [blessings received] into the storehouse, that there may be meat [spiritual inspiration and healing] in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it" (Mal. 3:10). With such a promise can we afford to keep silent at our Wednesday meetings?