Each Christian Scientist might well ask himself, "When was the last time I invited a friend to a Wednesday testimony meeting?" Certainly attending that meeting is a unique and profitable experience. What other religion holds a meeting in the local community every week of the year so that testimonies of present-day healings based on the teachings of Christ Jesus can be heard? These testimonies are not academic discussions of some miracle that occurred two thousand years ago. They are living proof of the healing efficacy of prayer as demonstrated in our own community today.
Jesus knew that his teaching was of no value unless the truth of his statements could be proved. Many rabbis had expounded the Scriptures before Jesus did. Why did the multitudes throng him and not these men? Was it not because Jesus proved the practicality of his teachings? And in the ensuing centuries there have been many philosophers and theologians expounding the Scriptures. What was it that made Mrs. Eddy stand out as a great spiritual leader among them? Why did the people throng to hear her sermons? Was it not because she, too, healed? And when Mrs. Eddy was confronted with all manner of criticism and hatred for her teaching, she, like Jesus, simply turned to the healing proof. In speaking of Mrs. Eddy's work, one who knew her well stated, "Indeed, so revolutionary were her teachings that, had she not been able to offer proof of their truth, they would have seemed completely unconvincing." Twelve Years with Mary Baker Eddy by Irving C. Tomlinson, p. 46;
The Christian Scientist recognizes the importance of the testimony meeting to our Cause, for it stands as evidence that Christian Science does indeed heal.
While we may welcome the opportunity during the testimony period to be silently grateful while sitting in our seats, it is interesting to note that Mrs. Eddy did not establish a silent gratitude meeting but set aside a period for individuals to stand and verbally testify to the healing power of God.
Since a major portion of the Wednesday meeting is devoted to the testimony period, it behooves Christian Scientists to uphold the quality of the testimonies. It is important that the congregation come to the meeting not only to receive inspiration but also prepared to witness to Truth.
One might ask, "If I come to a meeting ready to give a testimony, will not the meeting lose a sense of spontaneity?" One of course can still offer a spontaneous testimony, if so moved. But likewise, there is nothing wrong in coming to the meeting prepared to give a testimony. Who of us would invite a guest to our home for dinner and upon his arrival fail to feed him? Naturally, the moment there is silence, one need not feel he must jump up and say something. The motive to testify must not be to eliminate silence but to stand as a witness to the demonstration of the healing Christ. If all attend with this in thought, there won't be any lack of testimonies.
The basis for any guidelines concerning testimonials is found in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy, '"Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's' (St. Paul)." This By-Law continues further on, "This testimony, however, shall not include a description of symptoms or of suffering, though the generic name of the disease may be indicated."Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 24;
When one speaks to glorify God, he is not thinking of impressing people but of expressing God. Such a motive annihilates fear and renders the rules of public speaking of minor importance. As we let God speak through us, and as our words are heartfelt, they will come through loud and clear. They will bless the speaker, the church, and the community. Then we can sing as the Psalmist did, "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."Ps. 19:14
Those who testify should always bear in mind that they are speaking in a meeting that is open to the general public. It is helpful to relate an experience of healing as one might to a neighbor who knows little or nothing of Christian Science. This means using terms that will enable the non-Scientist to understand the situation.
The visitor will find the testimony easier to understand if we avoid the double-talk of such phrases as "I'd like to express gratitude for the healing of a belief of a false claim." The non-Scientist doesn't know what that means. After one such description of a disease a visitor turned to his Christian Science host and whispered, "Does he mean he was sick?" The By-Law states that the generic name of the disease may be indicated. And if the physical difficulty appeared to be critical, this may be stated, but we don't describe the symptoms.
Since every healing illustrates the demonstration of Christ, Truth, we should take care that the purity and consistency of Christian Science be clearly stated. For instance, if medicine comes into the picture, in order that the visitor should not be misled, it is wise to indicate that medicine and Christian Science are not utilized together. Or if the verdict of a medical diagnosis is mentioned, it is helpful to the newcomer if the testifier tells why, since a Christian Scientist does not seek physical diagnosis. We should always remember that what may be obvious to the Christian Scientist may not be so obvious to a newcomer or non-Scientist.
If the major portion of the allotted time for a testimony is utilized by dwelling on the intricate details of a problem, one may find he has little time left to relate how he prayed. Those present may want to know how to pray; perhaps this is one of the reasons why they are there. My favorite testimony is one that states the problem clearly and concisely. Then the testifier proceeds to tell how he prayed, perhaps sharing a specific idea that awakened thought, making it quite clear that Christian Science was used and that a healing did occur. The testimonies in our periodicals can be used as examples, and we can learn from them.
Hearsay is not allowed in a court of law, and it may be looked upon suspiciously by anyone who is already questioning healing through prayer. Therefore we should refrain from giving hearsay, or secondhand, testimonies, that is, repeating a testimony that we have heard someone else give. Now, if we have heard a particular testimony that has some direct bearing on our own problem, then one might give a very brief account of the testimony, but it should be used only in support of our own experience.
Sometimes it may be desirable to quote a citation during a testimony. Yet one may have difficulty remembering the exact words. Even though coming prepared to read the citation may seem to be a proper solution, this may establish a precedent for excessive reading of various types of material. Then would it not be better to convey the thought of the citation in his own words? Of course, in a foreign country where one is not proficient in speaking the language, or for diplomatic reasons, it can be helpful to read one's own testimony.
A Christian Scientist understands that a testimony period is not the place to expound political views. It is also important to refrain from discussing church business, which would properly be taken up only at a church membership meeting.
Sometimes people hesitate to give a testimony for fear the discordant condition may return. This fear may be the effect of superstition, but more often it has its basis in the acceptance of the belief that the disorder was factual. Until we recognize that error is nothing and the disorder had no reality, we have not had a complete healing. When one truly sees the error as nothing, there is no fear of its return and therefore no fear of giving a testimony.
None of the guidelines considered herein should be construed to mean that a testimony should follow a stereotyped outline, lacking spontaneity and originality. The keynote of any testimony is always divine inspiration.
If Christian Scientists accepted more often the opportunities presented to invite guests to the testimony meetings, and if they themselves came filled with gratitude, prepared and willing to testify with the motive to glorify God, our meetings would sparkle with enthusiasm. Buoyancy and joy would permeate the congregations, and each one present would find it a rich, thrilling, and deeply satisfying spiritual experience. It would not be long before our churches would be filled with those eager and thirsty for Truth.
