SPIRITUAL HEALING.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19012, 7 November 1923, Page 6

SPIRITUAL HEALING.

MR HICKSON IN WELLINGTON. OPENING OF THE-MISSION. Pee Unit 4sl Pef.ss Association.) WELLINGTON, November 6. The Hickson mission opened in, St. Paul’s Pro-Cathedral to-day. Ihe weather was gloriously nne, the bright sunshine welcoming the patients as they came out from the sacred edifice after the laying on of hands, and adding to ttie gladness already visible on many taces. The patients began to arrive at 8.30 a.m., and were quickly and quietly ushered to their places, 'ihe - cot and other serious cases were placed in front of the chancel, and the most serious ones were treated in the vestry, which was set apart for this special purpose. Before the main service commenced at 10 o’clock the church was packed in every part, ever 500 patients being accommodated therein, in addition to a considerable number of intercessors. At 10 o'clock the Bishop ot Wellington (Dr Sprott) opened a short service. At the outset Dr Sprott stated that Mr Hickson received no remuneration and the mission was free to all. Mr Hickson said they had met to make a corporate act of faith in Jesus Christ. Manygood Christian people had got away' from the fact that He was also a great physician. Healing was not through a missioner alone but from God Himself. Nothing was impossible to the man who believed. Disease and corruption were an abhorrence to God, and He did not send cancer and consumption for spiritual need. “Did Christ go about spreading disease as a spiritual correction?” he asked. “Yet we are told that these things are His visitations, but it is untrue. Wnat Jesus Christ did every good man would have done. Do not think I have His power, out remember that He uses us as His instrument.” Science was helping them to use, understand, and appreciate God’s gifts. Medicine was as much a gift of God as was food. “Never kick a crutch away from a man until he can walk,” added Mr Hickson. “Therefore it is ’wrong to give up your doctor.” Continuing, the speaker stated that in his experience- healing had been gradual, though there had been exceptions. Mr Hickson impressed upon all tho necessity of realising that spiritual healing came from Christ, and to remember that Christ was there in their midst. That was the one thing that would help theni all. That realisation was the greatest need of the Church to-day. Once a man embraced that in his heart all his doubts and fears would vanish. God was a God of love. He did not send disease and sickness into the world. Christ came to take these things away. His touch still had through the medium of the church its ancient power to heal. Supplicants must not be discouraged if complete healing was not received at once. Prayer, hope, and right living would supply that. ‘ Ihe laying on of hands followed and the organisation was so efficient that by a quarter past 12 all the patients were out of tne church. Nurses in uniform assisted the patients in the aisles and tended tho sufferers as they made their slow progress towards the altar rail, where Mr Hickson laid healing hands on their heads, after which the’bishop administered the church’s blessing. Thence they moved to the right and to the left through the vestries, and their places were taken by others. All was done in an orderly manner and in an atmosphere of quiet reverence. Many eases were of people piteously afflicted, but on every lace there seemed to shine hope firm iixea on faith in One who never failed to send succour to the believer. After the patients had gone the helpers and the intercessors received the healer’s touch and the service ended with the singing- of the Doxology, followed by the bishop’s benediction. As the patients were removed to their homes immediately they lett the church it was not easy to gain information regarding “cares.” Several persons, however, are reported to be greatly improved physically, whilst the evidence of spiritual uplifting was visible all about. Mention is made of an elderly lady who had not walked for several years, but who was aola to walk a short distance this afternoon. Also of a Petone man who having for several years gone about on crutches was showing with lervent thankfulness bow ha could make steps without their aid, Mr Hickson visited Porirua Mental Asylum in the afternoon where a consdierabie number of afflicted people received the laying on of hands. The mission will continue at St. Paul’s to-morrow and on Thursday. About IiUQ patients are due on those two days. PREPARATIONS IN DUNEDIN. Advices concerning patients from the country for the healing mission next month continue to arrive. Many will stay with fiends, but a considerable number require accommodation. The Rev. AV. A. Hamblett (convener of the Hospitality Committee) will be glad to receive word from those willing to grant hospitality. No infectious cases will be sent.