Health restores a life broken by illness. Joy replaces the sorrow of grief or loneliness. Peace calms turmoil in the home or at the office. For Christian Scientists, these blessings following the study and practice of Christian Science are common—sometimes even taken for granted. But their importance cannot be slighted. They represent lives being touched and healed through Christ, Truth, which Science reveals is present and active today, just as it was in Christ Jesus' day.
It's natural to feel grateful for such blessings and to want to express that gratitude in a tangible way. One avenue for expressing gratitude is provided in a By-Law in the Manual of The Mother Church by Mrs. Eddy. This By-Law is entitled "Testimonials." At a time when some legislators, members of the medical profession, and other people are suggesting that personal testimony of Christian Science healing is unimportant or useless, this By-Law, written by our Leader, sets the record straight. It states in part: "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)." Man., Art. VIII, Sect. 24.
"Highly important." What could be clearer? Testimonies of Christian Science healing may not be impressive to some, but that cannot change the facts that they are among the highest expressions of praise to God and that they show how the healing power of Christ is being demonstrated today. The importance of praising God and bearing witness to His Christ cannot be measured by statistics—it is too great.
