Mrs. Eddy sets forth her concept of testimony meetings in her book Miscellaneous Writings:"Invite all cordially and freely to this banquet of Christian Science, this feast and flow of Soul. Ask them to bring what they possess of love and light to help leaven your loaf and replenish your scanty store. Then, after presenting the various offerings, and one after another has opened his lips to discourse and distribute what God has given him of experience, hope, faith, and understanding, gather up the fragments, and count the baskets full of accessions to your love, and see that nothing has been lost." Mis., p. 149
There is need for mental preparation before each service if the "flow" of continual action is to be maintained and "one after another" is to open "his lips to discourse." And when thoughtful attention is given to Mrs. Eddy's expectation for these meetings they will become increasingly purposeful. The quality of the testimonies will improve, and they will be given in sufficient quantity to nourish and inspire those in attendance. Sincere students value each "banquet of Christian Science." They prayerfully prepare and take to them "what they possess of love and light."
Spiritual understanding shines on each individual, illuminating his consciousness, urging it to turn to the reality of spiritual existence and thus discover man's true being.
