In accord with provisions made by Mary Baker Eddy, Wednesday testimony meetings held in Christian Science churches and societies throughout the world always include a period for the giving of "experiences, testimonies, and remarks on Christian Science" (Manual of The Mother Church, p. 122). The relating of testimonies of physical healing and the stating of the helpful spiritual facts which brought about the healing bless all present, so that "both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together" (John 4:36).
Notwithstanding the primary emphasis rightly placed on testimonies of physical healing at the Wednesday meetings, Mrs. Eddy provides that "experiences" and "remarks on Christian Science" may also be presented on these occasions. Frequently an experience that is related may tell of the overcoming, through the use of Christian Science, of some error such as fear, unhappiness, failure, maladjustment, discordant human relationships, financial distress, or sinful thinking and acting. Often such experiences recount instances of protection and give evidences of the prophylactic, or preventive, powers of Christian Science.
A considerable number of the talks given at Wednesday meetings which may be classified as experiences deal with the casting out of devils, or errors, rather than with the actual healing of disease. When it is remembered that Christ Jesus commanded his followers to "heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils" (Matt. 10:8), it must be acknowledged that the casting out of devils is a vital Christian responsibility and that evidence of its fulfillment is of no little importance. Destroying error in its incipient stages by refusing to acquiesce when the devil or carnal mind first whispers erroneous suggestions, often proves to be a very worth-while experience to others. It usually points to a victory over some threatened sickness or adversity before one becomes an acknowledged victim.
