SPEECH RESTORED TO A DUMB MAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7002, 26 April 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

SPEECH RESTORED TO A DUMB MAN.

Reports of a miraculous faith cure, apparently well substantiated, come from Misiouri Valley, lowa. Five years ago G. G. Walker, a ■well-known resident of that town, had a severe attack of fever, -which left him unable to speak above a whisper. Since that time he has beet], to all practical purposes, dumb. He has avoided talking except when absolutely necessary, ail efforts being attended with great fatigue, and resulting only in a confused mumble, unintelligible to ever one except members of his family. For a week or two past there has been a revival or protracted meeting in progress at the Methodist church, at which Walker has been a constant attendant. Sunday night he felt an inclination to speak in meeting and yielded to the impulse. At first his words were inaudible, but he persevered, and in a few minutes was speaking in full, natural tones. The sudden change has caused a great sensation, Walker's case being so well understood that the people will not listen to hints of possible deception. Walker and his family say that the cure is the result of strong faith and earnest prayer. Medical men incline to the belief that it is one of those rare cases in which strong mental excitement, produced by_ religious fervour, has worked a change in the sufferer's physical condition. Certain it is, whatever may be the cause, that Walker was dumb for five years, and that he now talks freely and plainly. During his years of silence Walker's case was diagnosed by many physicians, some of whom attempted to onre him, but without result.