Modern Miracles.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 October 1922, Page 1

Modern Miracles.

AFSTRALJAN BISHOP’S STA'IEMENT. SYDNEY, Get. 4. The Anglican Bishop ol Grafton (New South Wales) somewhat startled his diocese by his statement at the annual Synod last, week that the day of miracles had not passed. The Bishop referred to the visit to! Australia next year of Mr ,). M. Hick-: son, who, he said, had been known to i the Chjureh as a man who possessed the gift of healing and who, in London, had exercised this gift for the benefit of hundreds. He had also held missions of healing in various parts of the world, and there was the strongest testimony that this work was powerfully blessed, and that many persons had been healed, and others benefited physically and spiritually. It might lie looked upon as mere charlatanism, hut this was an utter mistake, he said, there'was .no quackery about Mr Hickson or his methods. He did not put himself in antagonism to the medical profession.

The Bishop described a service held in one of the Cathedrals of the British Isles, where, afler a simple service, Mr Hickson delivered ail unsensational address, which, in many parts, sounded quite matter of fact. Then he descended from the chancel steps, and laid his hands upon the heads of the cut cases, saying a prayer over each. He was followed by one of the clergy, who also laid on his hands and gave the blessing of the Church. Thereafter the missionary and clergy went to the tiltar. Ft was an impressive sight to watch the long procession of sick leave their pews and go up to the altar and kneel at the rails, where they also received tile laying-on of hands. Some walked easily, others with difficulty, others were supported. Rich and poor met together. They wished to avoid anything sensational in regard to the visit, and to discourage idle curiosity. A motion was carried calling upon the Chinch people to prepare by earnest prayers for the mission of the healing.