EVERY earnest Christian Science student knows what is necessary in order for a church organization, engaged in promoting the cause of Truth on earth, to be progressive. We all know it is our first duty and privilege to reflect the one Mind that was in Christ Jesus, and that we must be ready and glad to do our share in carrying on the various church activities. Many helpful articles concerning the testimonies given on Wednesday evenings have appeared in our periodicals, and we should surely be wide awake as to our share in that form of church activity. The question is, How much have these articles really meant to us? Are we satisfied to lay the publication aside with the remark that this is a very strong, good article, or do we endeavor to apply it to ourselves and obey its teachings?
The arguments which would try to keep us from testifying in public as to the great good our Leader's teachings have brought us, are many and seductive. An earnest student of Christian Science once said to me that she did not feel called upon to speak in meeting, as she could not express herself well, but that she had been able to be of considerable use in other branches of Christian Science work; also that some were called upon to give testimonies and some to help in leading others to the truth. To justify this opinion she quoted what Paul says about "diversities of gifts." But we cannot be too careful, when studying the Scriptures, to distinguish between spiritual, eternal truths, and temporary directions for the church of that day. Surely no one, not even the modern Hebrews themselves, would think of carrying out all the laws in Leviticus. If Paul spoke of diversity in gifts, he also said, "Let your women keep silence in the churches;" and we all know what would happen to not a few Wednesday evening meetings if this concept of propriety were binding today.
It has often been said, "Oh, if it were only as easy for me to speak as it is for certain others, I would be glad to do it; but it is so hard for me!" In this connection we must be very careful not to judge by appearances. There are Scientists who have attained to such spiritual freedom, and have come to the meeting so full of light and gladness and self-forgetfulness, and they can speak without effort or embarrassment. Some time we shall all be thus free, but most of us are not at present. We recognize, however, that a testimony which is given with perfect ease may be the result of faithful work, and of God's help against fear and self-condemnation and physical disturbances.
