In January The Watchman (Baptist) published an article on Medical Missions. In reply, H. P. Bailey, C.S.D., sent some paragraphs to The Watchman, which that paper declined to publish, but which Mr. Bailey has published in tract form, and we here reprint. The original article was by Samuel W. Abbot, M.D., and urged the need of medical skill in missionaries,—not only for the commendation of the Gospel, but because of heathen inattention to health-laws, and the consequent high rate of mortality in pagan lands. One of his arguments was that Jesus was a healer, and that most of the New Testament miracles relate to healing. Hence the pertinency of Mr. Bailey's reply.
It is not the object of the writer to enter into any controversy with the able gentleman who wrote the article in The Watchman, but simply to call to his mind a few facts which he will find recorded in the New Testament.
Soon after Jesus commenced his public ministry, we find it stated (MATTHEW x. 1.) that he gave his disciples power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness. I fail to find any mention of medical methods, or any instruction to administer drugs.
