NEW HEALER IN SWITZERLAND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue I, 4 July 1896, Page 28

NEW HEALER IN SWITZERLAND.

Amazing aa are the predictions made by the young Frenchwoman who claims to be the mouthpiece of the Angel Gabriel, they are considered by thousands to be of alight importance when compared with the cures which are said to be effected daily by M. Vignes, in the little town of Vialas, in the Cevennes district.

A simple peasant, this man is of the stern old Hnguenot type. He is about seventy-two years old and comparatively well off. His neighbours respect him, and for many years have sought his advice in all emergencies. There is nothing of the charlatan about him. For many years he has given his neighbours such counsel as they needed, whether it regarded their bodily or their spiritual health. He has quoted the Bible freely and has given them medicines for all their ailments. In a word, he has been doing what good be could, but without blazoning it abroad, and the chances are that the world would never have beard of him if a Swiss pastor named Schlachter had not made bis acquaintance, and discovered him to be a marvellous healer.

Schlachter at once began to spread his fame throughout Switzerland, and thence it quickly spread through France. As a consequence, hordes of invalids are flocking to Vialas, confident that their maladies will be dispelled by the healer’s magic touch. A company has even been started for the purpose of providing proper accommodation for the pilgrims, large numbers being expected to arrive at Vialas during the spring and summer. Hundreds have already gone there, some from Berne, Basle and Zurich, and others from more distant places. The healer’s present method of cure is extremely simple. He is said to have used medicines in former days, but now he simply says to his patients, ‘ Have faith and you will be cured.’ His words are believed, and the story goes that he has effected many wonderful cures. Cripples, it is said, have at his bidding thrown away their crutches, and paralytics have regained their pristine strength and health. Even venomous animals, like snakes, we are told, are rendered powerless in his presence. So say his disciples, but, on the other hand, certain scientists who have made a searching investigation, say that it would be extremely hard, if not impossible, to find a single case of a genuine cure. However this may be, pilgrims are flocking to Vialas, and it is not impossible that in a short time the little hamlet will become quite as well known as Lourdes.

Mrs Niusicus : Did you have much trouble in learning to sing so beautifully? Miss Frankly : Yes; especially with the neigh hours.

—PROFESSOR CROSS FYE—AH. YES. BY THE ▲ID OF THE X RAY I SES ▲ LITTLE DCST BEHIND THE PUPIL.

X-'LET ME SEE IT A MOMENT.’*

3-

YES. A LITTLE DUSTING WILL FIX IT I THINK ”

5— •'LOOK OUT ITS CO MENG BACK I’

•’ FIVE SHILLINGS ! ” PLEASE.

Mi«o Bell : Im so taken with bloomers that I think I’ll wear them altogether hereafter. Miso Ring :In the hereafter, dear, we ll not need bloomer*. Other springs the young man s vetmin® Straight his thoughts of lore rerewl? Bat these days his ardent fancy Lightly turns to thoughts of wheels.