No feature of the Christian Science movement is more unique than its word of testimony. The numbers and the manifest honesty and sincerity of those who witness to its healing truth, are certainly impressive, and especially to those to whom there is thus opened the long-closed door of hope. It is a great, inspiring fact, that everywhere it is being humbly and honestly said, I have felt Truth's healing touch; Christ is come again, and I am unspeakably thankful.
This echo of the Bethlehem song speaks for the greatest and most gladdening fact of present-day history. The most wonderful thing about Christian Science is, that it makes prophecy and promise true. In her insistence that in the demonstration of health and spiritual freedom we truly honor Christ and prove the present availability of divine law, Mrs. Eddy has but led human thought back to the Master's teaching and reaffirmed the order he established. Regardless of the inconsistency and unworthiness of many of its beneficiaries, this teaching has proved itself yea and amen. Though nine of the ten lepers had not the grace even to return thanks, the power of the Master's word was none the less demonstrated in them. Indeed, in an important sense, Truth's vital efficiency is made the more manifest in view of the unpromising nature of the human soil into which its seeds have fallen.
Despite the fact, however, of the vast amount and the unquestionable character of the testimony offered in support of Christian Science, it is to be remembered that, apart from deeds, these words are of relatively little avail. St. James points out the more efficient witnessing when he says, "I will show thee my faith by my works." Furthermore, while we witness orally from choice, in our lives we witness by necessity every hour of the day. Timidity and self-depreciation may limit one's spoken testimony to the merest answer to one's name when the roll is called, but in our daily bearing and conduct we are making a record, in support or in denial of our professions, which will be repeated on the housetops. Here we are certainly "known and read of all men." Evasion is impossible. Preaching without practice merits the incredulity and perchance the contempt with which it is likely to be met, but backed by genuineness and integrity, even a stammering statement of the truth becomes irresistible. The words "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord," are thus fulfilled in righteousness, and the rendering of this "reasonable service" to God is a privilege and a joy.
