THE writer is in receipt of a letter from a man who has been an active member of an orthodox church for half a century, a man whose voice has been heard in earnest exhortation and prayer, and whose Christian character is above reproach. The claims of Christian Science, as to the lifegiving virtue in Christianity, have been brought home to him through the healing of a member of his family after the efforts of materia medica and his own prayers had failed to bring even temporary relief. Although admitting the good works of Christian Science and the lack of his own church in this respect, he writes in substance that he does not know how to rely upon God for his own physical health and healing. Could there be a more pathetic admission of the failure of modern Christian ideals to measure up to the standard established by Jesus, when after fifty years of prayer, devout Bible study, and consecrated work along the lines approved by the Church, a Christian does not know how to trust God to the extent of his health?
The above is not an exceptional case but fairly represents the average Christian's attitude towards spiritual healing. It is the understanding and not the desire that is lacking, and how is it that this knowledge has not been gained? What has the Church been teaching and doing all these centuries that it cannot yet take the first step in practical Christianity; viz., the healing of the sick? In addition to its "Confession of Faith," must not the Church have a confession of faithfulness as well? How is it that Jesus' injunctions to "have faith in God," and to "heal the sick," meet with such little response from his professed followers? What has so divided their confidence in God that they are unable to believe that He will heal their diseases, even as the Bible declares? Does it mean that with them evil so holds the balance of power in this world that they cannot believe God to be capable of saving them from its grasp?
Popular religious belief finds it quite possible, and even easy, to believe that God will save mortals from a great yawning hell when they die, while it stands pitifully helpless before the sufferings that afflict them here. Is it necessary that a man should die in order that he may understand and rely upon God's omnipotence? Will God be more gracious, more merciful, more loving or kind on the other side of death than He is on this, that Christians are willing to commit the safety of their souls to Him throughout eternity, while they shrink from leaving the health of their bodies in His keeping during their short sojourn on earth?
