p. 6 | L. A. S by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 6, 1904

L. A. S

By L. A. S.

CATHOLIC papers are making considerable account of the case of a young man in Charlestown, Mass., upon whose back there appeared recently the likeness of a cross after he had suffered a stroke of lightning. From the Catholic standpoint any phenomenon from which the figure of a cross is evolved must be considered as pertaining to the miraculous. What possible significance the cross-like imprint on the young man’s body could possess, even if of supernatural origin, none of them attempt to explain. That apparently is not considered essential.

The “miraculous” appearance of pictures on walls and windows of Catholic shrines is frequently reported in the papers; but what lesson any of them is designed to teach, or whether it has any lesson at all, is treated as an unimportant question. The mere knowledge that a “miracle” has taken place serves the Catholic purpose, which is to foster in the minds of the people a superstitious belief in the claims of that church to be the sole and special channel of the power and grace of God to mankind.

There is a vast difference between such blind superstition and Christian faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Faith emphasizes the importance of the inspired Word, the “more sure word of prophecy.” Superstition makes no account of the written Word, but puts in its place the unreliable evidence of outward appearances and signs.

The significance of the “cross” in the present case, which appeared at the spot where the lightning had burned the man’s body, may be dismissed as of a scientific nature only.