Article June 6, 1908 Issue

FROM OUR EXCHANGES

with contributions from Frederick Campbell, Albert Parker Fitch, Roosevelt

[Rev. Frederick Campbell, D.D., in The Christian Work and Evangelist.]

Nothing is clearer in the Gospel account than that Christ both healed and commanded his disciples to do the same; the early disciples obeyed the command and were eminently successful in healing the sick. This was true not only of the twelve, but of the seventy; it was true of others not belonging to either of these groups; and it was true in the early ages following that of Christ and his immediate followers. The Church began with this as one of its recognized responsibilities and agencies. If the Church as a body ceased to heal, it was not because the command to heal expired by limitation of time. There was absolutely nothing in Christ's command to hint even that the healing power with which the Church began would ever be withheld. Healing began and continued as an expression of faith. We have invented all kinds of excuses for not exercising that power, except possibly the right one, namely, our lack of faith. Those who were in immediate touch with Christ during his wonderful earthly life were possessed of a faith so profound and so inspiring that they were not afraid to attempt anything in his name; and what they attempted they accomplished. We call many of their works miracles and declare that the age of miracles has passed. May it not be that, if it has really passed, it is only because the age of faith has passed? Christ did many wonderful works, and he plainly declared that, because he was going to the Father, the works that he had done we too should do, and even greater works.

[Rev. Albert Parker Fitch in The Congregationalist.]

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