Editorial September 30, 1905 Issue

The Whole Gospel

JOHN B. WILLIS

THE humanity of Christ Jesus which made it possible for him to be "in all points tempted like as we are," found a human setting that is common to every clime and every age. It is the picture of suffering and despair awaiting the healing touch and the inspiring word. Despite the elaborate provisions for the prevention of disease and the alleviation of pain which to-day characterize all Christian countries, despite our hospitals and sanitariums, our health boards and physicians, our trained nurses and hygienic legislation, the saddening appeal for help is still heard in every mart and byway, and the healing Christ is now, as of old, the world's supremest need.

If, therefore, the conditions which impelled the Master to send forth his disciples with the two-fold commission to preach had to heal are still present, and if we accept his teaching that the Father's love is constant, His law unvarying, how shall we dare to say that the obligation to heal no longer rests upon discipleship, but is wisely and legitimately transferred to such as may have none of that faith or spiritual fitness which Jesus so insistently demanded of those whom he appointed to this high calling?

It is to be noted as a very interesting fact, that the dual nature of the ministry of the early church has been recognized by all Christian bodies in their mission labors among non-Christian people. Christian ministers who have thought to equip themselves for healing the sick, have been sent to all lands, and despite the fact that their remedial agencies have been so unspiritual, their humanitarian endeavor has seemed so fitting, so in keeping with the spirit of the gospel they preach, that these workers have invariably found unusual freedom of access to the hearts of those to whom they have gone. Some hint is thus given of what would occur if this effort to heal the sick were made in conformity with the teaching and practice of Christ Jesus.

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