Article May 9, 1914 Issue

My attention has been called to an article entitled, "Fresno Clergyman...

Thomas F. Watson

Fresno (Cal.) Republican

My attention has been called to an article entitled, "Fresno Clergyman Says Healing is Church Work." The reverend author who says that "it is impossible for the 'healing by faith' to be practised to its fullest extent by every rector of the church, for the reason that peculiar mental equipment with a knowledge of psychology would be necessary," should be reminded that Jesus made no such distinction in commanding his followers to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and "teach all nations ... to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," and no one believes the humble fishermen of Gennesaret or their followers had any knowledge of psychology. The Bible states that "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," and the only mental equipment necessary is an understanding of and reliance upon God. "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mrs. Eddy states (p. 1), "The prayer that reforms the sinner and heals the sick is an absolute faith that all things are possible to God,—a spiritual understanding of Him, an unselfed love."

Our critic says, "In matters of organic trouble the doctor is the best physician," etc., but this is not the teaching of the Bible, and Jesus and his early followers made no distinction between nervous, organic troubles, or those purely functional, but healed them all through an understanding of the law of God. Paul wrote, "The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." That law has never been repealed, and is just as available today as it was in Jesus' time.

Our critic first talks of "healing by faith," then adds that "peculiar mental equipment with a knowledge of psychology would be necessary." He then goes on to state that "healing is a matter of suggestion, with the aid of prayer." Jesus stated the whole law when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." It therefore follows that in order to be free from all error, sin, sorrow, poverty, disease, and death, we need a spiritual understanding of God and His Word, for that alone will free us from all forms of bondage. Again, Jesus said, "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me," but there was nothing of suggestion in his prayer. The Bible teaches that "the carnal mind is enmity against God," and it follows that no suggestion of the carnal mind, or will-power, can heal.

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