A Testimony as to healing is an affirmation made which publishes a fact in experience and reveals a controlling influence in the life of the witness. It is a declaration that the goodness of God was known in relief from disease or sin and that thankfulness fills the heart. In her book, "Rudimental Divine Science" (p. 17), Mrs. Eddy says: "The ways of Christianity have not changed. Meekness, selflessness, and love are the paths of His testimony and the footsteps of His flock."
Since the contributed article is an expression of experience, we can see that it is a testimony to Christian Science, a certification of its value, because the very writing of an article is in attestation of the truth revealed by Christian Science, and the support given to each statement is not mere argument but is undeniable proof. That which is essential to convey to others an understanding of Christian Science is just that proof in experience which underlies the writing. The effect on the mind of the reader is the dissolving away of his false beliefs, fears, doubts, and anxieties, and the awakening of a receptivity which will finally bring him to the reception of the teaching of the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, who says (Science and Health, p. 490): "The scientifically Christian explanations of the nature and origin of man destroy all material sense with immortal testimony. This immortal testimony ushers in the spiritual sense of being, which can be obtained in no other way."
A strange and we are glad to say an unbased criticism regarding the Christian Science periodicals was phrased in a statement that "the motive back of the publications is to lead students away from Mrs. Eddy's writings, to give them a substitute." The writer who quoted this criticism gave the antidote in saying, "These publications are to share with the whole field the benefits of our individual demonstrations of Mrs. Eddy's teachings,—the same loving spirit which would guide the testimonies of the Wednesday evening meetings." This exactly states the case, because that which is essential in our periodicals is the continued flowing of testimony regarding healing, and the demonstration of healing always leads back to Christian Science and its Discoverer and unfolds obedience and gratitude perpetually to the Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, who required that testimony should be presented in a wise and loving way.
