Editorial June 18, 1910 Issue

THE HEALING OF "ALL MANNER OF DISEASE."

Annie M. Knott

In the 4th chapter of Matthew's Gospel we read that Christ Jesus healed those who were afflicted with "divers diseases and torments," including lunacy and palsy,—"all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." The writer particularizes in his description, probably from the habit acquired when he was a tax-gatherer; and we are grateful for this, as it helps us to see that no phase of human need was unprovided for in the Master's healing ministry. The wonderful works here recorded followed Jesus' forty days' vigil in the wilderness, when he was without any material food, assailed constantly by the suggestions of the carnal mind (otherwise named the devil), and when he proved for all time that man lives not by matter but by Spirit. Well might his contemporaries ponder Isaiah's prophecy, "The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up."

At the present day, when these healing works are being repeated, even as Jesus said they should be, we frequently meet the contention that only a limited number of diseases can be reached by spiritual means; such, for instance, as nervous ailments, so called, or functional disorders which are closely related to mental conditions. It is not strange that the materialist should take this position, though to be consistent, he should deny that any diseases can be healed apart from material treatment. In taking such a stand he would, however, find that facts are stubborn things, and that thousands who had for long years been wretched sufferers have gained mental and physical freedom through Christian Science. The fair-minded doctor who knows of such cases usually takes Gamaliel's position, and says, "Let these people alone!"

The unfairness generally comes from persons who know little or nothing about disease or its cure, but who assail those that are beginning to find new hope in the promises of Christ Jesus, with the chilling argument that no "organic" affection ever was or can be healed by spiritual means. Their attitude recalls the scornful question of the Pharisees to the parents of the man healed by Jesus, "Is this your son, who ye say was born blind?" They were ready to deny both the blindness and the healing, and yet, like the modern disputer, they stood by the Scriptures (subject, of course, to their own interpretation).

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