When Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer of Christian Science and the Founder of the Church of Christ, Scientist, instituted the Wednesday testimony meetings, she provided in the order of service as given in the Manual of The Mother Church an opportunity for the giving of "experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science" (p.122). With regard to these testimonies she has given us the following helpful By-Law (ibid., 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)."
Sometimes one hears it said, after a Wednesday testimony meeting at which lengthy pauses have occurred during the testimony period, that these quiet moments give opportunity for silent communion with God. It is also said that, even if gratitude is not audibly expressed, it is present in the thoughts of the congregation and thus forms part of the great paean of praise which is constantly ascending to God from every Christian Science church.
Now, fervent gratitude nursed in the heart for all the blessings experienced through the ministrations of Christian Science is most certainly of value to the individual concerned and often establishes his healing; but should not one ask himself, "How much are the weary and thirsty who have come to the meeting seeking comfort and surcease from suffering helped and encouraged by my silent gratitude?" In deed, it is a question whether it is possible for one whose heart overflows with gratitude to remain silent long.
