AT a Wednesday evening testimonial meeting some one made this statement: "Each testimony of healing is a stone in the building of our church." Jesus declared to Simon Bar-jona that the rock of spiritual perception was the Christ-idea upon which would be built the church against which the gates of hell should not prevail, and then this disciple was given the name of Peter, signifying "a stone." In the erection of a building we all know the process of preparation which each stone must undergo that it may fit exactly into its place. So should each testimony brought to our mid-week meeting undergo a like process of preparation, that it may be fit for use in Truth's structure. We are made "lively stones" by the chisel of self-immolation, a necessary tool for daily use.
This thought-preparation for the testimonies should be made "now," which is ever the "accepted time" of alert consciousness; and a good time to begin preparing for the next meeting is at the close of the present one. The preparation should be daily and perpetual. Obedience in this direction would bring greater receptivity, greater spontaneity of thought and idea, and make our meetings abound in manifestations of the one Mind, to the undoing of the error of belief and the mental liberation of those who are bound.
The few should not, of course, habitually speak to the exclusion of others, and the many should not be dependent upon the few; each should do his mental share, and be ready for action when needed. Mrs. Eddy has said to us, "Many sleep who should keep themselves awake and waken the world"(Messages to The Mother Church, p. 91). Fear is disarmed when one knows that his testimony is good, and nothing bars out fear like careful every-day preparation and unfoldment. Then one knows that his testimony is good because he knows where he got every word of it. God will always give us the word most needed, and the sovereign right to its possession and expression when we are obedient. Then we shall speak "as one having authority."
