The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-05
THE FAITH CURE.
Opening of the New-Fangled Sanatarium for
Invalids, Where Faith and Prayer Take
the Place of Medicine.

SkOClSi y GSlCIudy SuplllCO OlAO VI tAAC OAh'7
sions by opening Faith Rest" or place
where physical infrmities are to be cured
solely by the power of prayer, without any
medical assistance whatever. The place Sc
lected is No. $50 Park avenue, Walnut Hills,
a handsome residence, setting well back on
that quiet street. 1t was informally opened
yesterday, and its duration will depend en-
tirely upon the volunteer aid OF the faithful.
The sun beat down fcrcely on the dusty road
as the Enquirer reporter willingly left it and
entered upon the grateful shade OF the many
cooling trees surrounding the house. The
change was exhilarating and he had half
mind to send note back to the office saying
he would take his vacation then and there
Ascending the porch, he was met at the
hall-door by a lady who in two minutes
by his Waterbury watch and chain made
him forget that his hands and feet were big,
and that he had scratch down the side of
his nose. She was tall, slender and graceful,
and her dress, while exceedingly simple,
was neatness and perfection of fit. Her
wavy, brown hair becomingly arranged in
total disregard of the present frowzy fashion,
was held at the back by dark comb having
on its crescent top number oflittle jet balls.
Out of the framework of tasteful neckwear,
wavy hair and jet comb looked face such
as an artist would wish to paint-if he could.
1t was that of Madonna, with the import
ant difference that intelligence marked
every feature. Visitors had not arrived. as
it was trife early, and the lady, Miss w. J.
Lillard, described the present condition of
the Rest and its prospects, at is the result
of an abiding faith in Jesus Iprayed for it
for two years, asking the Lord to lead me to
a suitable place, and here it is Isn't it love-
ly and restful?" 'Yes'm" said the reporter
looking closely at her for some evidence of
humbuggery. There was none there,
however; honest Christianity fairly beamed
out OF the woman'S face.
No, we've no patients yet we've just
moved In, you know, and besides, there is a
great deal of furniture lacking; but it will
come, because, haven't we His promise that
the prayers of the righteous will be heard?
Yes m."
'We don't trouble ourselves about the rent
that will come, too. Our halls and stairs, as
you noticed, have no carpets yet, but we have
nice clean mating on the parlor floor. Oh,
l have no tears about anything. The Lord
will take care of His own" Continuing, she
said: Are you the religious editor the En-
quirer?'
"Ye-well that is, 'er. Beg pardon what
did you remarkP"
This is Superintendent Blosser;" she re-
piled, and introductions foil owed. Mr.. Bios
ser was found to be a clergyman, recently
arrived from Louisville, where he had been
conducting a Faith Rest with great success
In the future with his family he will be
connected with the Cincinnati institution.
Within the ensuing ten minutes several
visitors arrived, and the superintendent
opened the meeting with hymn. He then
delivered an address to the effect that it was
part of the mission of Jesus on earth to
heal the sick at the same time that He was
working the salvation of souls Miracles,
which have not necessarily ceased were for
the purpose of establishing divine origin.
Physical cures were a portion of the Gospel,
and ministers made mistake by not incor-
porating it with their religious teaching. In
support of his theories the gentleman read
from Exodus, fifteenth chapter, twenty-sixth
verse, twenty-third chapter, twenty-fifth
verse, ninth chapter of Luke, eighth chapter
of Matthew, James fifth and fourteenth, and
the sixth chapter Of Mark.
Miss Lillard followed. For years her health
had been bad. Two years ago she was re-
stored to health by prayer. Even now when
suffering from a headache or cold she sue
cessfully sought the same means of cure. 1t
was necessary condition to physical restora-
ton that belief should be had in the source
OF relief. Without faith nothing could be
accomplished.
Then came a singular case Mrs ]. O.
Elston arose, and said that for six years she
had been unable to walk, owing to con-
tracted muscles of the left leg Her right
arm was also so stiffened as to be useless
June %, 1882, Miss Lillard prayed with her
and when the latter had left the room Mrs
Elston, who was stretched out on a lounge
cried out in anguish: "Oh, Lord raise me
up. You can do it, You have the power"
She did not remember what Immediately
followed, but knew that few minutes after
ward she was pacing up and down the room
The stiffness of the arm had disappeared and
she was now in full control and use of all
her limbs
Mrs. Elston was succeeded by young girl
of about seventeen, who related that by
prayer an affection of the eyes called astig-
matism had suddenly left her. The alment
was congenital, and the best ocuists had been
unable to do anything for her save to rec
commend the use Of glasses for her unequal
vision. She went to the Louisville Faith
Rest, and on one occasion, after earnest pray
er, she laid aside her glasses and looked
trembingly at book. As she looked in dis
tinctness faded away and cleary-cut letters
and words appeared. Transferring her gaze
to the open window, she saw objects at a
great distance. She was perfectly cured, and
has remained so ever since
Mrs. Miller and Miss Donner also of Gin
cinnati, related similar experiences and
after a hymn and benediction the meeting
closed Before leaving the place the follow
ing card was handed the reporter:
j. W. BLossER, MISS j. W. LIILARD.
Supt Asst. Supt
FAITH REST,
$50 PARK Avenue,
Walnut Hills,
Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who heal
eth all thy diseases. Psalm Gill; g.
Office hours-2 to p. NJ.
Meetings-Tuesday, 3 P. NJ; Friday, 8 P. NJ;
Sunday, p. NJ.
The enterprise is certainly novel one, and
the believing and unbeieving can visit the
place and draw their own conclusions
--<s.---
AN UNFADING GRIEF.