The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-01-22
THE CHURCH AND PHYSICAL
HEAItNG

paper in the February Century Rev.
DR.. James NJ. Buckley points out some
of the dangers of what is known as
The Emmanuel Increment and the
reasons why it should not be gener-
ally adopted. This movement inyol-
yes treatment of disease by ministers
by means of suggestion in connection
with or as { part of heir pastoral
work. Dr. Buckley holds that this
mo cement is rot feasible adjunct
to the local church. the activities of
which are already such as to demand
the entire energy and resources of the
pastor Some of his objections are
expressed in these words:
Few men could ado to them the
complex and exhausting duties of an
other profession without. in some
measure, diminishing the efficiency of
the former. To attempt to carry on
work of physical healing would en-
tail neglect of important interests, or
reduce thu pastor to ndition re-
curing treatment at some other clinic
The existence In any neighborhood of
such an institution would probably be
a means of PROSECUTING, and of dis
quieting the members of churches of
the same denomination. Moreover,
few would be &C. oetent by exper-
fence, study, or natural gift to super
intend such a work
DIR. Buckley holds that for the
Christian church to found and foster
hospitals is unquestionably commend
able; but that diagnosis, treatment,
and prognosis should be left to those
who have made this their life study
and profession; to them belongs
psychotheraphy as well as medicine
and surgery. For the church % pro-
vide chaplains for institutions and
give them every ia .ility is also ration
al. But
To attach HOSPITALS to individual
churches under rectoral or pastoral
/ superintendent is of doubtful exped-
I iency. To provide physicians or at
! tempt to treat patients personally
/ would invade the sphere of an indis-
( pensable profession. nc encourage an
irregular movement in other depart
ments of medicine.
A large proportion IF tie best ply
sicians and SURGE rs of Boston and
vicinity sympathize substantially with
! the view announced by Dr. Putnam.
I They believe that it places the medi-
I cal and clerical professions in a false
! light that it raises false hopes,
/ that it interferes with the relations
between physicians and their patients,
/ and that 1T encourages haste and
] snperaciality In the consideration OF
a serious problem"
The true function of the clergyman
Z is to teach the ethical and spiritual
doctrines of Christianity. and as an
under shepherd, to visit the flock com
mitted to his care. is the stand taken
/ by DR.. James NJ. Buckley, and IN this
he is right beyond all question. How
he should discharge this duty is thus
/ clearly stated bv the same good
authority:
He should maintain an individual
acquaintance with members OF the
! congregation, listen to whatever the!
communicate, and by counsel assist
them He should be accessible to all
synlpathize in sorrow and in joy, ano
help them bear their burdens. Scru
pulous attention should be given the
poor and the sick, and the clergyman
should be in such rel zion to reputable
physicians md surgeons as to d1rec'
those who 1equir- advice; he mus
also have the entree to hospitals. Hi'
prayers and communi-5s in the SICK
room will sink into the depths OF TN
mental and moral nature OF the SUI
ferer, cheering, comforting, strength
ening. and reinforce every effort
cure or mitigate his malady, inspiring
him with hope of recovery or OF INA
mortality. All else the pastor shoul'
leave TO the physician