The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-10-16

testimonials by healed patients. Nor
mons gathered their following largely
by miracles of this character, wrought
for the most part in by-places and
among the more ignorant classes. But
still further, outside and separate from
all religions, these so-called miracles are
seen to transpire. The late Professor
Carpenter, the foremost psychologist of
his time, gives the account of the heal
ing of paralytic by faith-expectant
attention. The invalid was advised to
call on Sir Humphrey Davy, with strong
assurances that he would realize cure
at the hands of the great man. On
presenting himself, the distinguished
scientist, for examination, thrust the
thermometer under his tongue, to get
the patients temperature. The pa
tent supposing this the magic medi-
cine, in ecstacies exclaimed that he felt
the influence all through him, and that
he was already much better. DR.. Davy,
casting at companion quizical glance,
dismissed the patient without further
treatment, with instruction to return
to be treated again in a short time. In
little while the paralytic was well.
Faith cured him Faith not in big
saint, but in big doctor. He was
cured by divine law, however, by one
of Gods good and great ministers, and
with the approval of Christ, we may be
assured.
Much is said of faith cure at the
present time. Books are written upon
the subject, some with good deal of
ability and many good suggestions.
Journals are published in the interests
thereof. Hospitals are built, and very
much and ingenious advertising is done.
1t is like the "blue glass" epidemic of
a few years ago, and the innumerable
electrical pads, belts, soles, combs,
brushes, etc., offered to the invalid
world. a large number of people know
very little about electricity, and these
trinkets find good market. Besides,
it may well be believed that large num-
bers are benefited by their use as ex-
chants to faith.
1t is then unbecoming for thoughtful
people to speak discouragingly of faith
cures, and should only insist that proper
credits shall be given, and that things
shall be designated by the right names.
And let not the exalted works of Jesus
and the holy Apostles, as well as those
of the religiously pure and good of any
age, be COMPOUNDED with those of mer-
cenary charlatans and quacks.
If now it be thought necessary to
ask, Ibid not Jesus and the Apostles
perform cures by gift of the Spirit, as
) allegedp' The answer is, They certainly
did. There are the best reasons in the
world why those inspired and greatly
spirituaiized lives should have per-
formed those cures as set forth in the
record. If it were further asked, "Why
then, may not those of to-day be per-
formed by the same agency, as is claim.
ed ?'' it would be answered that some
may be,-that God is on the same lib.
l eral terms with mankind now that he
was in the Apostolic days, and that he
:. will answer prayer according to what
he sees is best, now as then.
1t is to be observed, however, that
. with the race as with an individual
: one age may require differently from
1 another. With the advent of reason in
greater force there is properly less ap.
peal to miracle for the establishment OF
a principle. Hence the discontinuance
of miracles, in the ratio of advancing
light, were to be expected of an intelli-
gent government over man.
1t can hardly be said to have been
from the spirit of kindness that Jesus
raised Lazarus to suffer and die over
again, and to thus break the hearts OF
the sisters anew, after temporary re-
covery of the lost happiness of his soci-
ETY.. But for the privilege of minister
ing to dependent ones, it would have
: been better for the brother to have con-
tinued his sleep or his new possession
of happier life among friends no less
precious. Jesus referred to the act as
having been done to establish conf
dence in his authority, and not of kind
ness merely. 1t was done ''to the
intent that We may believe" though
himself was in weeping sympathy with
the bereaved.
But it is unlikely that mortals at
their present level would make wise
use of the prerogatiye over death, i'm
piled by the terms of the faith cure
appearing in the customary arguments
in its support-promise of answer to
the prayer of faith. By Christian be-
lief death is a necessary factor of the
gospel But when would death to the
loved friend transpire, leaving it to the
. choice of friends? When could segre-
, eating disease win its way to the re-
lease of the spirit from a sphere which
at best is too low for it The presence
of the gift would be the responsibility
for the given life, and the death would
be chargeable to the neglect of employ
ing the gift. 1t were responsibility,
therefore, that would hardly be chosen
by thoughtful people.
Such facts alone render the claim
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