The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-02-15

The cures erected at Emmanuel
Protestant Episcopal church, Boston,
by DR.. Elwood Worcester and his as
sistants. and those wrought in Chi
cago by Bishop Fallows, have Great
ed public interest. The healing side
of Christian Science Is a secret of that
body's growth; while the large fol-
lowing of DR.. Dowfe was undoubtedly
based upon the cures effected by him.
The broad principle of faith-healing
is today regarded with respect even
by men to whom the idea makes no
personal appeal. Such are willing to
grant, in Kipling's words, that
There's a world outside the one you
+ know"
The standard of the New Testament
church unquestionab1y comprehended
the gift of healing.
1t was down in Judea that Jesus
had "got a reputation" Before, he
had been without honor in his own
country. That is a universal expert
ence. Most great men have had to
go away from home to be appreciate
ed. There are probably still living old
neighbors of Lincoln who think, in
their secret hearts. that he really
w dbIl dHy OOQy III pdItlCQl1Tp diiQ
that the world has greatly overesti-
mated him. Away from home Jesus
won honor: now he has returned to
use the influence thus gained among
his friends and neighbors.
The big news of the day is ever, as
it was in this incident of long ago,
that a man has arisen. How the op-
pressed and needy and disconnected
rally to a personality! No truth ever
becomes popular or powerful until it
has become incarnate in a person.
Christianity has not won it's way as a
creed, but as Christ. Let a man arise
anywhere with the power to help his
fellows, and how quickly the multi
tude rallies to him. Into the peas
ants hut and the nobleman's palace
flew the news that such a one as Jesus
had arisen in the land.
Nowhere in all the province did
this tidings create a greater stir than
in the home of one of King Herod's
noble officers. For therein dwelt
deep sorrow and fear. There are
many things which money cannot
buy-the best things. in truth-and
among them are health, love, content
lHCHt Will OH Ills lnIu6IlC6 an q
wealth, this nobleman could not keep
the shadow of death from lowering
over his home. His son lay danger
ously i'll. He had tried the Ieech OF
the legion, the local physician, and
all the tested methods known to fam
lily and friends.
Like the chronic invaIids who have
vainly tested the waters and cures
and physicians of two continents, the
father at last, in desperation, turned
to this heralded Prophet, about whom
he had heard much but knew little.
Perhaps in religion lay succor Any
help will be accepted in extremity
He had to place himself on level with
all other needed suppIants; suffering,
like death. is great leveler. The
preachment is none the less important
because commonplace.
This nobleman was frantic in his
importantly. He made. the twenty
naum to Cana in order to beseech the
Rabbits assistance. He knew moth
ing about the methods of Jesus, but
he wanted him to go with him at
once. ere his child die. He was OBJ
sessed by this last hope.
That it runs counter to accepted
conventions and traditions is really
the underlying objection on the part
of many persons to psychic healing
in any form. This nobleman wanted
his son healed by contact with the
healer: therefore his insistent come
down" All want to do things in the
conventional way. In sickness we
want a doctor who will make us stick
out our tongues, feel our pulses, ask a.
lot of questions, and give us medi-
cines that look as If they possessed
curative powers.
A masterful word from Jesus
changed the nobleman's views in a
lorn hope; his conduct shows no sign
of great faith-until he hears him
speak. Then occurs a Transformation.
A terse sentence did 1t all: go thy
way; thy son liveth." Thereat this
man, used to issuing commands him
self, and accustomed to a suppliant or
servi1e manner on the part of most
persons who had dealings with him.
took swift horse for home.
The explanation is fundamental.
The nobleman believed the word
that Christ spake unto him." That is
faith.
The rich neighbor is Ill. The chill
dren have been sent away, and nurses
and doctors possess the house. Family,
! servants and visitors speak in hushed
tones, and move about with quiet
footsteps. Within, all is silence; with
out, all is commotion, as physicians
and friends and servants come and go,
This is only the faintest picture OF
what went on in that Capernaum
home, where the nobleman's son Law
stricken. A soldier outside the court
yard silenced the noisy passersby
Neighbors peered through the gate as
they passed by, whispering. Every
breath of the patient was watched.
| Suddenly Life and haaltt,