Article April 11, 1903 Issue

The Practical Faith of Luther

T. VON HODENBERG.

Since the necessity of obeying Jesus' command, "Heal the sick," has been urged upon the Christian world by Christian Science, its followers have frequently met with excuses for neglecting this vital part of Christianity, and with endeavors to justify a faith without healing power on the part of members of other religious denominations. Bearing in mind this fact, it is rather striking that the view and example of the pioneers and leading exponents of Protestantism afford as a rule no justification for such a position. Luther, for instance, as is well known, on several occasions was rewarded with speedy recovery from severe illness in answer to his prayers, and he has given practical evidence as to his view regarding this important question. In Dr. A. J. Gordon's work, "The Ministry of healing," we read,—

"Martin Luther, 'whose prose is half a battle,' would belikely to speak strongly on this subject, if he spoke at all. Martin Luther, whose prayers were battles, so that they who knew him were wont to speak of him as 'the man who can have whatever he wishes from God,' would be likely to plead efficaciously in this field if he entered it at all, and so he did. The testimony of Luther's prayers for the healing of the body are among the strongest of any on record in modern times. He has been quoted, indeed, as disparaging miracles, and the explanation of this fact is perfectly easy for those who have investigated his real opinions.... But if we turn from Luther the controversialist to Luther the pastor, we find a man who believed and spoke with all the vehemence of his Saxon heart on the side of present miracles."

Perfect recovery is recorded in several instances where he prayed for the sick. The most notable one is that of Philip Melanchthon. An account of this recovery, which seems to be trustworthy, is given by the historian Seckendorf. Melanchthon had fallen ill on a journey and a messenger had been despatched to Luther. The story continues: "Luther arrived and found Philip about to give up the ghost. His eyes were set: his consciousness was almost gone: his speech had failed, and also his hearing: his face had fallen; he knew no one, and had ceased to take either solids or liquids. At this spectacle Luther is filled with the utmost consternation, and turning to his fellow-travelers says: "Blessed Lord, now has the devil spoiled me of this instrument!' Then turning away towards the window he called most devoutly on God." The narrative goes on: "After this, taking the hand of Philip, and well knowing what was the anxiety of his heart and conscience, he said, 'Be of good courage, Philip, thou shalt not die.' Melanchthon writing to a friend says: 'I should have been a dead man, had I not been recalled from death itself by the coming of Luther.'" Luther speaks in the same manner writing to friends: "'Philip is very well after such an illness, for it was greater than I supposed. I found him dead, but by an evident miracle of God, he lives.'"

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