FAITH-HEALING

Hokitika Guardian, 3 October 1923, Page 1

FAITH-HEALING

MR HICKSONS MISSION

AUCKLAND, Oct. 1 Air Hickson gave an address from the pulpit, lie has a good speaking voice, speaks without notes and without the slightest hesitation, and his methods ami matter are not emotional. He told the congregation that the essence of spiritual healing was faith in God and that lifted it at once on to a higher plane than any other means of healing. They must have faith. Some might be discouraged because they did not see themselves healed at once. They forget how long they had been making up their minds to come closer to God, and they must have patience. They must remember it was not what G o ,l could do for them but how much they could receive from God. There were perhaps a score ol cot chair, and stretcher cases in tho chapel, most of them apparently suffering from paralysis and similar complaint s. Elderly people predominated, but there was a fair sprinkling of young people. Air Ilicksou enjoined the congregational intercessors and patients to pray. Accompanied by tho Bishop and a clergyman Afr Hickson then walked amongst the eases. As he approached each one the usher whispered to Mr Hickson tho nature of the case. “Blind,” “paralysis, * “deaf,” “internal,” then, laying his hands on the patient’s head, he said a brief prayer, altered to meet the circumstances. Those attending the patient in the meanwhile, knelt down in prayer. After tho Missioner had pass, ed on to the Bishop gave the church blessing and prayed they would receive health and strength and that he or she might continue.

Some of the most pathetic eases wore those dealt with in the vestry before the .Mission service began. Here were assembled those suffering from epilepsy or nervous disorders which rendered it inadvisable that they should be taken into the church. One child burst into such terrible weeping that she was taken to a separate vestry but was quiet and smiling happily when she left the church grounds. Jinny of those questioned as to

whether they felt any improvement, in their condition said they felt wonderfully happy and were convinced physical healing would follow. It certainly seemed to have followed very quickly in other cases. A man tilth a joyous face seated in a wheeled chair spoke of healing already partly accomplished and of absolute conviction that a complete cure would follow. Ho had suffered from rhcumatliroid arthrites for twelve years, and could iust manage to stand. Since attending the intercessory services lie had gained the freer use of one hand. AA lien he entered the church bis neck pained him. This had vanished and he could move his neck iu any direction. Some radiance lay in the eyes of a little old woman who had been partly deaf for twenty years, but to-day conversed with the enquirer without the slightest effort. CURES CLAIMED. AUCKLAND. October 2.

The Hickson Alission continued today. when the scene during the arrival ut patients vns very much the same as on the opening day. The footpaths out,,ule St. Matthews’ Anglican Church were thronged "ilh onlookers. Some St. .loliu Ambulance officers carried or wheeled, some helpless patients into the church, "hole there were services

•Red by great religions fervour

Alter the laying oil of hands. Mrs Tilt-liens, of New l.ynii. was seen holding the 'hand of a nine-year-old boy, who was stricken seven years ago h\ infantile paralysis, “lie has never bct-ii able to run or walk like other children.” she said, “and up to a shot t, time ago his legs were so twisted that iu- couldn't Stand straight, look at them now |” At this, the child proudly straightened his pitiful little legs, and looked down with a beaming smile on his two feet, which were "»t turned inwards as before, but straight out, as children’s l’ect should bo. Nearby sat a man with a happy smile. : ‘H is quite trim.” be said “I have known tho little boy for a long time and he has never stood so straight

before. < , , One of the helpers told of a case of healing of which more will probably he heard later—that of a holy wlm was; led into the hall by a friend, and appearing to be rather exhausted, was taken into a quiet room. A htt.c while jator she suddenly exclaimed: ‘I can M . c t There arc chairs, and you have blue on vour dress!” She said she had been almost blind for eight years, other cases where patient-, have beneiitted are reported. One young man is Quid to have gone to church using crutches, and "hen lie left he earned his crutches out.