A CHILD of about eight years of age attended a Wednesday evening testimony meeting in a Church of Christ, Scientist, for the first time. She had heard from her parents and her older brothers and sisters about the meetings, and at this, her first experience, she rose and in a clear, sweet voice expressed gratitude for a healing they had had in the home that week. Afterward one of the church members was speaking to the girl and her mother in the foyer and thanked her for her testimony. The little girl smiled and asked, "Why didn't you give yours?"
The question was not asked with any attempt at flippancy or with a thought of impertinence. The mother later explained that upon being questioned the child said she thought everyone was expected to give a testimony—that it was like a ticket of admission to the service.
The church member herself went home that night with the question, "Why didn't you give yours?" ringing in her ears. She knew that the child had asked the question in sincerity, and she knew that there had been no lack of opportunity for her to express her gratitude. She also knew that she had had many healings through her study and application of Christian Science and that her heart was full of gratitude for this practical religion. Yet she had to face the fact that it seemed to be virtually impossible for her to rise to her feet in church and express this gratitude. Could this be condoned?
