FAITH HEALING by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 7, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 26.

FAITH HEALING.

By Editor

A CORRESPONDENT of the California Christian Advocate says:—

"I am persuaded the cause of religion, and Methodism in particular, is suffering to-day from 'Holiness Bands' and 'faith-cure' fanaticisms more than from any other source. If the failures to heal were reported as faithfully as the supposed cures, there would be less of the latter in a little while."

We are convinced that this is the truth. But while we say this, we do not wish to be understood as decrying real holiness or denying the efficacy of faith in the healing of disease. What we do object to as bringing a reproach upon true religion, is "holiness" that would never be recognized if the possessor did not call attention to it, and to "faith" that is advertised as a quack doctor would advertise his nostrums. We believe most implicitly in the truth of James 5:14, 15. We have seen marked instances of healing in answer to prayer. We do not believe that anything that concerns the welfare of God's creatures is of too little importance for him to notice; and we believe and know that in all cases of necessity he may with confidence be implored for help.

But there is nothing in the Bible nor in common sense that would indicate that God will interpose to save a lazy man from starving, or that he will work a miracle to cure a man who is in distress, when a cure might be effected by taking a bath or drinking a copious draught of warm water. In other words, while we are to recognize that it is only because of God's continued care that we live at all, and that we "ought always to pray," we are not to expect God to do for us directly that which he has given us the power to do for ourselves. Neither are we to suppose that God holds himself subject to the beck of everybody who thinks he knows what he wants better than the Lord does. The Lord has all power; but for a man to set up a "cure" and advertise himself as the Lord's special agent in healing disease, and to warrant a cure every time, is blasphemous presumption.