Part 1
Miraculous Healing by Henry Frost
FOREWORD
It will be noted that the title which I have chosen for this book is, "Miraculous Healing," instead of the usual phrase, "Divine Healing." This change of phraseology has been purposely made. The special theme of the book is God's healing apart from means, which the words "miraculous healing" indicate. But this would not be true of the words" divine healing," for these, properly understood, signify God's healing both without and with means. This last is the case because it is a fact that healing of any kind is necessarily divine. A physician does not heal, nor medicine, nor a scientific diet, nor an improved environment, nor anything else that may be named. All creation or recreation is from God; and hence, in every instance of healing He is the One who heals, whether He acts directly through unknown laws or indirectly through known laws. Where in this book, therefore, the words "divine healing" occur it is to be understood that any form of healing is signified, but where the words "miraculous healing" occur that only healing apart from means is signified.
It will be further noted that I have somewhat criticised parts of what Dr. A. J. Gordon and Dr. A. B. Simpson wrote upon the subject of miraculous healing. I have regretted the necessity of this. These men of God presented to Christians much truth concerning healing apart from means; and besides, their service as writers, preachers, teachers and missionary leaders was extensive and uniquely fruitful in blessing. It is, therefore, to be kept in mind, that my criticisms do not indicate any lack of esteem on my part for these beloved brethren. I greatly revere their memory and desire that others should do the same.
Chapter I; AN OPENING TESTIMONY
JUST when in my early life I became a Christian, I do not know. As far as I can think backward, I have the remembrance of believing in Christ and of having some measure of desire to be His true disciple. The time, however, when I entered into the experience of assurance may easily and definitely be recalled. This was after I had left Princeton College, when I was living in Attica, in western New York, and was engaged in business. There, one memorable day, I was led to accept for myself the testimony of God's Word concerning the substitutionary work of Christ; and then learning the secret of fixing my faith, not upon inner evidence of any kind, but upon the great outward evidence of revealed and established truth, I entered into a rest, which, thank God! has never since been broken.
This experience of God's grace and love awakened in my heart an altogether new longing to know and understand the Holy Scriptures. It was a natural as well as a logical conclusion at which to arrive, that the Word which had so blessed me in one aspect of my spiritual life would equally bless me in other aspects of it. Hence, I began to read and study the Bible with a new avidity. But I soon found that I needed help, in order to know how to study. It was thus, the next summer, that I was led to attend the Conference of Believers, which was held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, near Niagara Falls. This Conference greatly helped me. At the same time, it revealed to me my ignorance, and to a degree that was not a little discouraging. I needed, evidently, not only further help, but also, help of a more personal kind. Thus, the following winter, I asked the secretary of the Conference, Dr. William J. Erdman, to visit the village of Attica, in order to give there some Bible Readings, and to be my teacher while resident in our home. Dr. Erdman accepted the invitation and became our guest. The intercourse which followed began a sacred friendship, which lasted until his death and which meant to me an ever increasing spiritual blessing.
Dr. Erdman, in undertaking to teach me, took - as it then seemed to me - a strange course. He began his expositions of the Word, not in the New Testament, but in the Old; and he chose as his subject of exposition the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, as recorded in the second
chapter of the book of Daniel. The subject was certainly interesting, but, at first, it did not appear to me to be altogether practical. My teacher, however, proved wiser than most instructors would have been, for I would add that that exposition led to the changing of the whole current of my life. Before the Doctor had finished his explanations, I was brought to see that the great objective which God, in the present age, had set before Himself and the church, was the coming of Christ, and that in that coming the hope of both the church and the world was bound up. This perception did more than give to me, as I believe, the true key to the interpretation of the Scriptures; it led me to perceive the relative worth of things, as between those which were earthly and heavenly, temporal and eternal. And it was thus that it came to pass, among various influences, that God eventually constrained me to dedicate my life to foreign missions. This I did, for one reason, that I might do all that in me lay to hasten the accomplishment of those providential events, the fulfillment of which would make possible the coming of the King and His kingdom.
The experience which I had with Dr. Erdman directed me into a careful study of the prophetic Scriptures, and for a considerable time afterwards I found this part of the Word the most interesting and helpful of all its various topics. The time came, however, when I discovered that prophetic study had become somewhat of a snare to me. I had reached the point where my interest was centering in what I may call the curiosities of the Scriptures, and where I was more anxious to learn about the things which were new than to put into practical use those which were old. This discovery produced, though only for the time being, a reaction from the study of prophecy. I now realized, whatever events were to take place in the days to come and however important these were, that there were also present days to be faced, with their pressing opportunities and obligations. Hence, it became my longing to know what sort of a Christian God would have me be, what kind of service He expected me to render, and what were the privileges in Christ which He had set before me. Such considerations as these led me into a new reading of the Old and New Testaments, but now, with a wider view and a more personal application. As a result of this experience, I began to study the great
fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith; and, later, I came to the contemplation of such experimental themes as those of prayer, praise, consecration, sanctification, etc.
It was in this way that I finally undertook a close, and, what has turned out to be, a long study of the Scriptures concerning the subject of miraculous healing. This topic was almost thrust upon me, for the experience of my personal and family life demanded it, and besides, some close and esteemed friends earnestly urged it upon me. Thus it was, at different times, that I read and reread the Scriptures with this one subject in mind, marking on the margin of my Bible every reference to it. As I write, there lies before me an analyzed Bible reading, which was worked out as a result of this course of study, and which has noted within it every important passage in the New Testament referring to God's healing of the body. And it is fitting that I should add that I shall never cease to be grateful to God that I was thus led to face this part of Scripture testimony. What prophecy did for me in one direction, this doctrine did in another. Among other things, it brought God nearer to me and myself nearer to God; and, above all, it impressed upon me the truth that the Christ in heaven has all power upon earth, and His present interest in the members of His body is as close and compassionate as it was when He was on earth amongst men. As for the general result of my study, it was a simple and blessed one. I argued thus: If Jesus were on earth and I needed Him for healing, I should go to Him for this even as others went to Him; as He is not on earth, I cannot go to Him in person; nevertheless, I may reach Him by faith where He is in heaven, and, since He is not changed in character, I may expect Him to heal where there is need, even as He used to heal. At a later period and after further study of the Word, I was forced somewhat to modify my conclusions as expressed in the last clause of this statement. I am constrained to add, nevertheless, that the proposition as a whole seems to me as true today as it did when I first formulated it.
The conclusion concerning miraculous healing which I had now reached, brought me into an attitude of mind and heart where I desired to make practical application of my new-found privilege. As time went on, therefore, I looked more and more to God for health,
and also, for healing when health had failed. And I would gladly and gratefully testify that God did not disappoint me. On the contrary, in many instances, He heard my prayers and gave gracious answers to my petitions. As a child, I had been sickly and weak; and, as a man, I was far from strong. But the Lord, in a new way, sustained me in the midst of a heavy and an increasingly arduous life-service; and, often He gave me to see His power in restoring myself and others from serious sickness.
It is not strange, in view of the above, that my faith in God as a strengthener and healer, as the years passed by, was both confirmed and increased. For the same reasons it is not strange that I now write in deep sympathy with those persons who hold the doctrine of miraculous healing. Yea, I confess that it is my present, deep conviction that Christ does strengthen and heal, and that He is more often ready to do the one and the other for those who put their trust in Him than most Christians realize. For this reason, it is my object in writing this book to do what I can to influence Christians to remember this almost forgotten truth, and to return to what, it seems to me, is the scriptural attitude in respect to it. It is my ardent hope, therefore, that my words may be used of God to induce not a few of His children to place an altogether new confidence in Christ as One who cares, not only for the soul, but also and as tenderly, for the body; for I am convinced that the man who sees to it, in all respects, that "the body" is "for the Lord," will make discovery, sooner or later, of the fact that "the Lord," in His turn, is most truly and blessedly "for the body." And I think that it will generally be admitted, in this world of suffering, that this is a consummation which is greatly to be desired.
But I must not end here. As I desire to be entirely frank from the beginning, I would state that I have an additional motive in writing this record and exposition. It seems to me that there is special need at the present time and that there will be increasing need as time goes on, for Christians to hold all truth in careful equipoise. Satan, in seeking to destroy the peace and usefulness of the children of God, has many methods of attack, and none is more effective than when he attempts to lead them into unbalanced and extravagant positions. This last is particularly true when he is able to approach them along the
line of self-interest, where he may tempt them to take up with given theories because it is personally profitable to do so. The mere statement of such a possibility shows that there is a peculiar danger to the Christian in accepting and holding the doctrine of miraculous healing. That God will maintain him in health and strength, that He will immediately heal him if sick, is a prospect which appeals to any man, whether he be spiritual or otherwise. It is here that Christian Science and the Emmanuel Movement have found their place and power; and, I believe that it is here also, in part, that the doctrine of miraculous healing, especially as it has generally been taught, has made its appeal to the hearts and lives of the children of God. There appears on the very face of this question, therefore, a look of danger, to which every true disciple of Christ needs to give heed. Any doctrine may easily be distorted; but here is one which, in the nature of the case, may readily be thrown into large disproportion by one who holds it and enjoys its benefits. And this, it seems to me, many persons have done and are doing, and with serious consequences.
As to the seriousness of the matter, it is to be remembered that the occupying of any super-scriptural position will eventually lead one, if he, is honest, into discouragement and despondency; for such a person will never be satisfied unless he fully and constantly attains to what he believes is his privilege in Christ, and, if he holds something to be a privilege which God has never provided as such, the nonattainment of it must necessarily produce reaction, with disastrous spiritual results. Such an experience will mean that the man of God will conclude, either that God for some reason has forsaken him, or that he himself in some particular has forsaken God, when as a matter of fact neither the one nor the other may be true. I have seen many such cases in connection with the doctrine of miraculous healing, some of which have been unspeakably sad, where, because of the holding of an unscriptural and unworkable theory, the saint, in spite of a complete life-consecration, was living in the darkness of despondency, amounting in some cases to despair. The only correction of such an experience, is to come down from the unwarranted scriptural position which has been assumed, to solid scriptural ground, and there to abide. Such a course may not make for a sense of
peculiarity or for an extra reputation of sanctity; but it will certainly lead to heart-rest and a true testimony before God and man.
I am writing, therefore, with a desire to lead such Christians as may read these words and may need help to what, I trust, is a rational conception of the doctrine of miraculous healing. Having confidence that God has granted to me, both from Scripture and experience, some measure of understanding of this important subject, I would humbly seek to pass on whatever I know, in the hope that it may be for the comforting and strengthening of some of Christ's dear servants. May I assure my reader that I shall be in constant prayer as I write, in order that I may not lead others astray from the truth; and I fervently trust that the reader will be in a like spirit of prayer. I make no apology for the personal and familiar form in which I put my words. I choose this intentionally, because it best suits my purpose, and also, because I wish what I say to be not so much an argument, as what the title-page specifies, a personal testimony. Whether the testimony may rightfully be considered an argument, it will be for the reader to decide.
Chapter II; INDIVIDUALS HEALED
I HAVE said that when I had learned to look to God for strength and healing, He graciously gave me to see not a little of His power in this respect, both in my own life and in the lives of others. It may be helpful now for me to mention some of the experiences which illustrate this fact. And in doing this, it will be my attempt in writing, not to overstate any fact, but rather, if I err at all, to do so upon the side of understatement. I am specially concerned about this point, for obviously hyperbole has no place in such a subject as this, and to give way to it in any degree would be to open the door to error of a serious kind. Let me then speak as sanely as possible of certain experiences which I have had.
While I was still a young man and living at Attica, New York, the Lord led me out from my business life into that of an evangelist. It was thus that I came one winter to hold a series of meetings at a town named Albion, New York, which was situated not far from my home. From the first of those meetings, God graciously gave His marked blessing. The services were well attended, Christians were edified, and the
unconverted were saved. In this way, the meetings went on for about ten days out of the two weeks which had been set for their continuance. But just then misfortune overtook me. Passing, one evening, from the heated room of the church into the wintry chill of the streets, I caught a heavy cold, which settled in my throat. The next evening in the service, my voice quite failed me, so that I could scarcely be heard, even by those who sat in the front seats. When I returned to my room that night, my throat was inflamed and sore, and I could not speak above a whisper. As things were, evidently, I could not possibly continue the services, and there was no time, either for medical treatment or for the restoration which might come from rest.
As I knelt in prayer that night, before retiring, I asked God if He would not heal me, in order that the meetings might go on to their conclusion, and particularly, in order that additional souls might be blessed and saved. In spite of prayer, it was some time before I got to sleep because of pain in my throat and difficulty in breathing. But, at last, I did so. I slept on then to what must have been the middle of the night. At that time, I awoke for a few minutes, and, in that brief period, I was suddenly conscious of the fact that my throat was entirely well. When I awoke in the morning, the momentary impression of the night was amply confirmed. Beside the faintest reminder of the fact that I had had a cold, my throat was entirely healed. The pain had ceased, the cough was gone, and I could speak as easily and distinctly as usual. The meetings went on through the remaining days, and an increasing measure of blessing was granted to the end. The cold from which I had suffered did not return.
In 1901, toward the close of the Boxer trouble in China, I was asked by Mr. Hoste, the General Director of the China Inland Mission, to proceed to Shanghai, in order to meet there Mr. Walter B. Sloan, of London, and to hold with him a series of meetings, in behalf of the missionaries, for the deepening of their spiritual life. I gladly accepted this invitation and had the joy, when I set forth, of having, as my companion for the journey, a member of our Toronto Council, Mr. J. D. Nasmith. Thus, we took our way across the American continent to San Francisco, and set sail, on a wintry day, from that port.
When we reached the ocean, outside of the "Golden Gate," we found
that a heavy storm was on. Immediately, our steamer was being violently tossed to and fro in the sea. As a result, I had to seek my cabin and berth. Here I remained for two days, so sick that it seemed as if I could not live through the experience of it. Nor was I exaggerating the seriousness of my condition, for, besides the frightful nausea, my heart had failed, my feet and hands were like ice, my head was very dizzy and I had become so weak that the ship's doctor feared that I should not long survive. At last, lying there in my weakness, I asked myself certain questions. First, What had been my object in setting forth for China? I answered myself, or rather, the Lord, that it had been to go out and remind our beloved missionaries of the joy of both doing and suffering the will of God. And then, Was I myself willing to do and suffer God's will at all times, and especially just then and there, as related to my present sickness? I found it more difficult to answer this question than the first one, for I knew not what the issue might mean to me. But finally, I looked upward to Him who sat upon the throne and said, "By Thy grace, Lord, I am willing to go to China or not; to go onward or downward; to live for Thee or die for Thee; whatever Thou shalt choose, to that will I say a glad Amen!" And then came a wonderful experience. Instantaneously, as soon as this prayer had arisen from my heart, the sickness left me. At once, the nausea ceased, my hands and feet became warm, and I felt a sense of strength which was delightful and for which I did not find it difficult to praise God. Immediately, though the steamer was still tossing in the storm, I got up and dressed. Later, I went on deck. And from that time on, until we reached Shanghai, I remained perfectly well.
At another time, I had the following experience in China, in connection with the Rev. J. Hudson Taylor. Having broken down with nervous prostration, I went to that country for change and rest, and also, to see the work of the Mission. But instead of being better on my arrival in Shanghai, I was worse; and, in spite of calling godly brethren together to pray for me and, according to the injunction in the Epistle of James, to anoint me with oil, there followed months of weakness, which kept me, for the most part, confined to my room, and generally to my couch or bed. This experience of trial was increased by finding that Mr. Taylor was even more seriously sick than I was, a condition of things
which put a natural gloom over all of my days as they were lived out in the Mission compound. At last, however, the summer passed, and the cooler weather of the fall came on. By this time, both Mr. Taylor and I were somewhat better. This fact led to the suggestion being made that we, together with Mrs. Taylor, should take a houseboat and go up the Soo-chow Creek, to the Soo-chow Hills. It was thus, one Saturday noon, that we set forth, and we were well on our way by that evening, when we anchored, not only for the night but also for the following Lord's Day.
As can be imagined, it was a pleasing experience to be away from the city and out in the country, and it was particularly so to Mrs. Taylor and myself, for Mr. Taylor had evidently left his many cares behind him and seemed as happy as a child. But the following Sunday morning I met with a great disappointment. As I arose, Mrs. Taylor informed me that Mr. Taylor had been taken ill in the night and was seriously sick. The old difficulty of heart-weakness, from which he had suffered so long and seriously and eventually died, had suddenly returned, and there seemed to be little life left in his body. When, later, I saw Mr. Taylor, my gravest fears were aroused, though I said little of this to Mrs. Taylor. And as the day went on, the situation became increasingly grave, for, manifestly, the dear sufferer was sinking lower and lower. Moreover, we were peculiarly helpless, even from a natural standpoint, for we could not do anything for Mr. Taylor, physicians being far away and ourselves having no remedies with us for heart failure. At last, even brave, trustful Mrs. Taylor almost lost hope.
It was in this attitude of mind, feeling that God Himself must send help if the precious life was to be spared, that Mrs. Taylor came to me in my section of the boat, and asked if I would not unite with her in prayer for Mr. Taylor's healing. This, of course, I gladly consented to do. I said to my friend, at the same time, that I felt that God would have us begin with praise, to which suggestion she quickly agreed. I then read the last few Psalms, and, as I did so, emphasized their messages of thanksgiving. After this I prayed, beginning with praise. In doing this last, I thanked God for His many mercies, and then went on to thank Him for Mr. Taylor's sickness and his present serious condition, recognizing that perfect love was permitting all. After this, I asked our
heavenly Father, if it might be His will, to raise up Mr. Taylor and to spare his valuable life. Mrs. Taylor followed with prayer, and she too began with praise.
Subsequent to this, we spent the time in that part of the boat where Mr. Taylor was lying. Never shall I forget his appearance. He was dressed in Chinese dress; his red and blue "wind cap" was pulled down over his head and shoulders; his hands were crossed over his body; his white beard covered his breast; his eyes were fast closed; his face was deathly pale; and his breath came and went in fitful gasps, which made us feel that each breath might be the last. There, we watched in silence, praising and praying. And while waiting thus, this blessed thing happened. Suddenly, Mr. Taylor's breath became easier, more steady, and more full. Then we noticed that the colour of his face and hands was improving. Finally, we saw that he had fallen asleep. And thus he lay, until the night came on. I heard no movements in the boat during the night, and the next morning I learned that the hours had passed quietly and peacefully. Quite early the following Monday `morning, we started upon our way. In the afternoon we reached the Soo-chow Hills, and in the late afternoon, Mr. Taylor led us out over the same, walking without help and as if no serious sickness had been near him. It is not too much to say, that he seemed to us, as we watched him, like one who had been raised from the dead.
Some years since, one evening at Germantown, a Christian gentleman, Mr. S., called upon me to ask for my prayers. He looked, as he sat before me, the picture of despair, which did not seem strange when I heard the story which he related to me. The tale was as follows: The gentleman's daughter had been brought up with many advantages and had developed marked mental ability. She had prepared for a higher education, and later had been graduated from a leading college in Pennsylvania. She had, still later, gone to France in order to perfect herself in the French language, had then returned home, and had subsequently, for some years, pursued a brilliant career as a teacher in the college from which she had been graduated. Then, in the midst of her high success, she had suddenly become insane. As her insanity was not of a violent type, but more of the nature of imbecility, the parents had found it possible to keep their daughter in their home. At
the same time, the strain of watching and caring for her was a most serious one; and the experience of seeing her, who had been so beautiful and bright, wholly blasted in mind and spirit was heartbreaking. Moreover, the physicians, though many had seen her, had failed to do her any good, and thus they had finally pronounced her incurable, so that now, after six years of sickness, the situation seemed an utterly hopeless one, except as God might be pleased to interpose and heal. My friend had come to me, therefore, to ask if I would not pray that healing might be granted.
I considered it, of course, a joy to unite in prayer with this sorely tried father, and, after some talk about the privilege of prayer, we knelt together before God and asked Him, since the physicians had failed, if it might not be His will to put forth His power and entirely restore her who was so sadly afflicted. Then and there we left the matter in the hands of a loving, heavenly Father. As to the result, I knew nothing for some nine months. After that space of time, Mr. S. reappeared at our home. One look at his face showed me that something joyful had occurred. Presently, he told me this tale:
The next day after he had been to see me, a friend of his daughter, living in Brooklyn, had asked her to visit in her home, and, in the hope that a change of location might prove helpful, the parents had consented to the arrangement and the father had taken the patient to her hostess. It turned out that this friend was a Christian Scientist, and it followed that she did all that she could, from the standpoint of her belief, to bring about a recovery. But no cure took place. Instead, the poor sufferer received a nervous shock from something which occurred in the home, which resulted in throwing her far back physically, and into a more serious mental condition than had before existed. At this, being concerned, the Christian Scientist took her to a neighbouring home and left her, and the ladies there telegraphed to the father to come and get his child.
It was thus, within three days, that the invalid was back at Germantown with her parents. There, in view of the increased mental derangement, the following hours brought new and more poignant sorrow. But one day, less than a week after we had prayed for the daughter, she suddenly put her hands to her head, looked up with a
new light in her eyes, and, addressing her father, said, "Father, I don't know what has happened to me; a great cloud has been lifted from my mind, and all the darkness has gone!" From that time, the father had wished to come to see me, in order to tell me the good news of divine deliverance. But he had restrained himself from doing this, fearing that the healing might not prove permanent. Thus, the nine months had passed away. But thus also, at last, he had come to assure me that God had heard our petitions. His daughter, he said, was entirely and permanently recovered from her insanity, her physical strength had returned, she had resumed her normal study life, and all of her spiritual depression - she had thought that she had committed the unpardonable sin and was lost - had disappeared. It was for these reasons that my friend now desired me to unite with him in praise, as I had done before in prayer. My reader will understand that I considered it a great privilege to do this, in adoration of Christ, the mention of whose name before the Father had brought such a marvellous cure to pass. I made inquiries about the daughter some ten years after this. The father had died, but the brother reported that his sister was perfectly well.
A number of years ago, one day in the fall of the year, I was working in my office at Toronto, when the maid - who had come from the adjacent Mission Home - announced to me that a Mr. McC. was in the sitting-room of the Home and desired to see me. When I heard the visitor's name I jumped to my feet, wondering if it could be that my friend and Princeton classmate, James McC., was actually in our house. The maid, of course, could not inform me whether or not the visitor was my friend, and so I hastened from the office into the Home and into the sitting-room, to find out if my surmise were true.
One glance showed me that my anticipation was a correct one, for there sat my old-time and ever dear friend. But I was shocked beyond expression at his appearance. Though the weather was mild, he had on a winter overcoat, which he had kept buttoned and was wearing even in the house with the collar turned up. His face was thin and haggard, his skin was sallow, and his eyes were dull and lifeless. He greeted me with a loving smile, and with still more loving words; yet he did not rise as I came in, but remained seated as he had been, in a
sort of collapsed condition, as if he had been through a great sickness and was nearly at an end of his physical endurance. In college days, my friend had been well developed, strong and vigorous, and the reader will understand what my heart felt as I looked at him. Almost unconsciously, I began silently to pray for him, asking God what it all meant and what could be done. Then to my friend I said:
"James, where have you come from?"
Mr. McC. answered, "From the Georgian Bay district, where I have spent the summer."
At this I asked, "And where are you going?"
My friend replied, in a pathetically sad voice, "Ah, beloved, I am going home to die."
These words shocked me even more than his appearance had done, especially as his looks confirmed his words. But suddenly, in answer to my silent prayers, God gave me a great assurance and I spoke as I had never spoken before, as I have never spoken since, and as I should never again dare to speak except under a similar assurance. Looking at my friend I said, with almost prophetic positiveness,
"James, you are not going home to die; I will tell you what you are going to do: you are going upstairs to bed, you are going to let us care for you and you are going to get well."
"No," my friend replied, "that is not for me; and, as for my staying, I can't do this for I should give you too much trouble."
I answered, "There is not a person in this house to whom you can give trouble."
"But," he replied, "I have to have peculiar food."
"All right," I said, "we have a peculiar cook."
"No," he argued, "I have to prepare my own food."
"Very well," I also argued, "we have a room upstairs in which there is a gas stove, and where you can do all the cooking you desire." Then I continued: "Now, dear old chap, don't argue any more; just surrender and let me have my way."
And the dear fellow did surrender. In a short time I had him located in
the room with the gas stove, and settled in bed, looking very worn and sick, but most grateful to have found a haven of welcome and rest. There, I had definite prayer with him that God would make him well; and there I left him for the evening and night.
At about ten o'clock the next morning, I knocked at Mr. McC.'s door and was bidden to come in, and in a tone of voice which I noticed was considerably stronger than the one I had heard the day before. Entering the room, I was surprised to find my friend was up and nearly dressed, and I was pleased to see that he looked refreshed and strengthened. Then, to my joy, he came across the room to me, put his hands upon my shoulders, looked with new brightness and courage into my face, and said, "Do you know, beloved, I don't believe I am going to die."
It was manifest that God had been pleased to answer prayer and, that physically, the turn of the tide had come. We sent for Dr. Sweetnam, our family physician, but he said that nothing medically could be done for him, and nothing was done. But from that hour, there was steady gain.
Mr. McC. had been sick with nervous prostration and resultant digestive trouble for some years, and though he had had the aid of physicians and the help of long summer outings, he had steadily grown worse, and this had continued until the time he had reached our home. But in the ten days he was with us, my friend added fifteen pounds to his weight, and after he left he continued to gain until he weighed as much as he had in college, namely, one hundred and eighty-five pounds. In addition, he was so strengthened in mind - he had not been able for a long time to think closely without much suffering - that he soon found it possible to resume his Christian service of Bible teaching, by voice and pen. In this last service, he has had to use much care not to overdo; but his activities for many years past now have been varied and great. In other words, when everything possible had been done to secure healing by natural processes, without result, God Himself, in answer to our united prayer, brought healing to pass. It was thus that he who had been slowly but surely dying and was then nigh unto death, was suddenly and permanently healed.
Chapter III; INDIVIDUALS NOT HEALED
IF I could leave my record where it stands, as given in the preceding chapter, it would not be possible for me to come to any but radical conclusions in respect to God's readiness to heal. But it is here where I must be careful not to exaggerate, and where I must be prepared to be honest, in the strictest sense of the word, whatever this may imply. It is my purpose, therefore, to add to the experiences of healing which have been mentioned some additional ones, where, though prayer was offered and faith was exercised, like healing was not given. And I would explain that the foregoing five cases of healing were chosen from the whole number which might have been given from my experience, not only because they were amongst the most notable, but also, because I desire to add to them five other cases of an almost exactly similar character. I choose this method of procedure for the reason that the parallelism thus established will simplify both the process of thought and the final deduction. If, say, in ten typical cases of sickness, certain conditions were fulfilled and the same result of healing was always obtained, then one would be justified in generalizing, and a single, uniform conclusion could be reached. But if, on the other hand, in ten typical cases, like conditions being fulfilled, five of these show one result, and five another, then a single generalization becomes impossible, and a new and different conclusion must be reached. The more particular intent of these observations will be understood as this testimony proceeds.
During the days of my evangelistic service, about a year after I had held the meetings previously referred to in Albion, New York, I was asked to return to that place and for the similar purpose of conducting evangelistic meetings. The services arranged for were to be held, as before, for two weeks, and there was anticipation, in view of the previous experience, of much blessing. But again it was mid-winter, and again, at evening, it was necessary to pass from the heated assembly room into the chilly air of the streets. Thus it was, after about a week of meetings, that I caught a heavy cold, which settled in my throat, inflaming it, producing hoarseness and soreness, and making it difficult for me to speak. Under such circumstances, especially with my past experience of healing in remembrance, it was
a natural thing that I should go to God and ask for divine intervention. And this I did, with simple trust. But, upon this occasion, the expected healing did not take place. On the contrary, the hoarseness and soreness became aggravated. I then renewed my petitions before God, and with increased fervency. The result, however, was the same. My voice, by this time, was reduced to a low whisper, and I could not be heard in the meetings. It was thus that the services had to be brought to a conclusion before the set time had expired. As for my cold, it gradually passed away. But this was only after I had reached home, and the cure was brought to pass through the usual processes of rest and medical treatment.
In the year 1904, subsequent to the experience of healing from seasickness previously described, Mr. Hoste invited me to visit Shanghai, to take part there, with himself, Mr. Sloan and the members of the China Council, in the adjustment of certain difficulties which had arisen in the Mission. Dr. Howard Taylor was in America at the time, and the way was opened for him to visit China, so that I had the comfort of his companionship upon the journey. As at the previous time, the route across the continent to San Francisco was taken, and as before we sailed from that port. And as before, we ran into a storm, with all the consequences of a heavy sea and rolling steamer. In an hour's time, I was laid low, and, later, there came on severe seasickness, with accompanying heart-weakness. Finally, my condition became serious, and thus I gave myself, with what strength I had, to prayer for healing. But it was in vain. Then, in remembrance of my previous experience, being constrained to think that I had discovered a holy means of answered prayer. I committed myself, in the dedication of a new surrender, to God, for whatever His blessed will might choose for me. Once more, I told Him in all sincerity that I was willing to go to China or not; to go onward or downward; to live or die. The answer which God gave to me was unmistakable. He did not allow me to die; but He did allow me to be sick, and that without relief of any kind. For several days the physical conditions remained wholly unchanged, though they were not so serious as in the previous experience. At last, we drew near the Hawaiian Islands. There in the calm seas of that tropical dime, the ship ceased her tossings, and, as a
result of this I gradually regained my usual health. This, happily, I retained until the end of the voyage at Shanghai.
Some time after God had so remarkably restored Mr. Hudson Taylor on the houseboat upon the Soo-chow Creek, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor journeyed from China to England, and on his way thither passed through Canada. In this manner they came to visit us in the Mission Home at Toronto. Mr. Zaylor, when he reached us, was in poor health, and his condition, while remaining with us, grew worse. He was suffering, at the time, from a nervous trouble, which at last so affected the stomach that little food could be retained, or even taken. This meant that our brother's strength steadily declined; and thus the time came when he was so weak that he was confined to his room and to his bed or couch. Later, his old physical enemy, heart-weakness, set in, and, thereafter, his state was a serious one.
Mr. Taylor, up to this time, had been acting as his own physician; but his condition was now so grave that he consented to our calling the Mission doctor, that able practitioner and devoted man of God, Dr. Sweetnam. But, somehow, even Dr. Sweetnam's skill did not avail. As time went on, therefore, there was no change for the better. On the contrary our dear Mend continued to fail. The many occupants of the Mission Home had been praying earnestly through the days which had passed. Now that things had reached a crisis, prayer was not only earnest, but also, importunate. There was private prayer, and united prayer; and through all, it was a strong crying unto God for deliverance. In spite of prayer and faith, however, the longed-for answer of healing was not granted. At last, a sense of helplessness took possession of us, for we knew not what to conclude. But just then, Mr. Taylor recalled a remedy which he had not thought of for a number of years, but which he had used in a former sickness with success. Dr. Sweetnam favoured its trial; and the medicine was obtained and taken. Immediately, there was a change for the better, and from that time on, there was steady improvement. Finally, a full recovery took place. Our beloved friend was able to resume his work, holding meetings, having interviews, etc., as usual. He afterwards went to England, where he passed through a heavy ordeal of ministry. Eventually, he returned to China to resume there his usual strenuous
service. But this time it is to be noted, Mr. Taylor's recovery was through the use of medicine and not by the direct interposition of God.
Some years ago the Mission in America sent to China for service there a devoted young lady, a Miss De L., concerning whom we had many hopes. For a few years these hopes were amply realized, the blessing of God resting upon our friend in every particular. But then, sad news reached us. We were informed that insanity was developing, and, probably, that the young lady would have to be sent home Later, she was brought from her station to Shanghai, where she was tenderly cared for during some weeks. But at this place her malady so increased that, escaping from her nurse one day, she sought death by throwing herself into the river, from which the police rescued her. There was much special prayer for her after this, but no change for the better occurred, and hence, as soon as proper escort had been provided, she was sent home to Canada. It was thus that she came into the Mission Home at Toronto, from whence she had gone out. Here, everything was done for her which love could suggest. Miss De L. had now repeatedly shown signs of a desire to destroy herself, so that constant companionship and watchfulness had to be provided for her. In addition, she was given, as had been the case in China, the help of constant, believing prayer. Medical aid in the case had proved valueless, and, for this reason, the petitions which were breathed were for God's direct and immediate healing. But days and weeks passed by without the desired answer being received.
It was at this time that I reached Toronto from Philadelphia, upon one of my periodical visits, and it was thus that I came into personal contact with the serious conditions which had developed. Our friend, more than ever, was bent upon committing suicide, that she might, as she told me, rise from the dead and so convince the world of God's infinite power. Hence, we went anew to God in prayer, crying out to Him for speedy healing. Healing, however, was not granted. I postponed action still longer, in hope that our gracious Father might send us His help. But the help for which we sought was not given to us. It was thus, at last, that I was forced to commit our friend to the Toronto Insane Asylum, where she could more easily be cared for, and where, particularly, she would be protected from self-destruction.
Meanwhile, prayer was not remitted. Daily, the sufferer was remembered before God, and that by an ever widening circle of sympathizing friends.
To our joy, at last, in spite of the fact that the Asylum physician had told us that there never would be a recovery, prayer was markedly answered, for there was decided improvement. This continued till the decision was reached that Miss De L. might leave the Asylum and go to her home. Soon, thereafter, she left us for Boston. We got rather out of touch with her from that time on, though we occasionally heard about her, and we did not cease to pray for her. In this manner, nearly two years passed by. After this time, all the past was suddenly and startlingly brought before us. A paragraph in a newspaper told us that our poor friend had thrown herself into the bay near the city, that she had been rescued and taken to a hospital, but that she was critically ill and likely to die. We afterwards heard that she had recovered. But she was never fully healed, for a few years later she suddenly threw herself before a train and was instantly killed. This, then, is apparent: In the case of insanity previously mentioned, a single prayer was offered, and, though that case was a much more serious one than this, healing was almost immediately given; in this case, prayer was offered for many years, and by saints who seldom knew what it was to have prayer remain unanswered; but full healing was never given. In other words, the results in the two cases, though believing prayer was offered in each, were of a different and opposite kind.
Some years ago, Dr. P. was holding a series of meetings in the home of Miss Huston, at Germantown, Philadelphia. While thus engaged, he became afflicted with a malady which caused him so much physical pain that he was hardly able to continue the services which he had undertaken. To those who were attending the meetings and were aware of what was transpiring, the picture of God's suffering child was a pathetic one, especially to some of us who had known the Doctor for many years and had never before seen him in any but the best physical condition. It was reckoned a privilege by a few of us, therefore, to have him ask us to meet with him on a given afternoon that we might unite with him in prayer for divine help and deliverance.
The gathering took place at the home of Dr. W. J. Erdman, and besides Dr. P. there were present Dr. Erdman, Dr. Munhall, Pastor Stearns and myself. At the beginning of our prayer service, Dr. P. told us how the disease from which he was suffering had come upon him, apparently as a result of the activities of his Christian service which had involved much travelling and considerable exposure, and how he had prayerfully sought the help of physicians, but without avail. He then declared, since the physicians seemed powerless to help him, that he was convinced that only God could give him healing, and hence, he said that he craved our help before Him as we should ask, with one mind and heart, for a speedy and complete cure. He finally explained that much seemed to depend upon our obtaining an answer from God, because he had received important invitations for service at home and in England which he could not accept unless he should be healed, and also, because he was contemplating a tour around the world, which he hoped would mean much for foreign missions, but which could not possibly be taken unless he should have deliverance from suffering.
All of us who listened to Dr. P. as he spoke were deeply impressed by the humility and trustfulness of his spirit, and also by the fact that he was seeking healing, not for his own comfort - though there was need of this - but for the glory of God and for the exaltation of the name of Christ. As our friend had asked to be anointed with oil, Dr. Erdman performed this rite. We then gave ourselves to prayer in his behalf with much readiness of mind; and we continued in this exercise for about two hours, feeling, on rising from our knees, that the Holy Spirit had indeed been in our midst and that we had been permitted through Him to have special access to the throne of grace. However, none of us had real assurance that Dr. P. would be healed. As for myself, I felt, first on that afternoon and then increasingly as I continued to pray, that God had appointed our brother to suffering, that he might bear witness, as he had never had opportunity in the past, to the sustaining grace and power of God.
The foregoing thought was so much in my mind that, a few days after the Doctor went back to his home, I took the liberty of writing to him, asking him not to be discouraged if God did not answer our prayers as we had offered them, and expressing the thought that it was possible
that our all-wise and all-loving Father was going to ask a great thing of him, namely, to show forth Christ's life of trust and patience even in the furnace fire of affliction. Dr. P. thanked me for my letter; but, in writing to Dr. Erdman, he was able to give us the good news that, while he was not fully healed, be was so much better that he was largely freed from pain and was able to go on with his usual service. A little later, I was advised that the journey around the world had been decided upon.
Some time after this I had an invitation to attend and take part in a dinner which was to be given to Dr. P. and which was to be in the nature of a farewell to him. I was not able to accept of this invitation; and I will confess that I was relieved when I saw that this was the fact, for I could not help fearing what so long and arduous a journey might mean to one so advanced in years and so feeble in body, and hence that I should find myself somewhat out of sympathy with the purpose of the banquet. I mention this last in order to give myself the opportunity to add that my prayers for Dr. P., as he set out upon his world tour, were increased, both in frequency and intensity. Happily for me, it became possible to make prayer intelligent, for his son kindly sent me copies of his father's and sister's letters, describing the different stages of the outward journey. Through these letters, the news finally reached me that Dr. P. had broken down in Japan, and more seriously in Korea, and, then again, that he was returning home. He safely reached San Francisco and Los Angeles, though in a weakened physical condition and in a state of much suffering. At the latter place, I learned later, our dear friend felt, once more, that God only could give him relief from his sickness and pain, and he did that which he had done before, namely, sent for godly men to anoint him with oil and to pray with and for him.
After the foregoing, Dr. P. was somewhat better, and thus, his relatives were able to bring him across the continent to his home. There he waited the will of the Lord, while hundreds of saints in various parts of the world who knew his need, pleaded with God for his recovery. But the sufferer's strength gradually and steadily declined. However, the thing for which I had hoped came to pass. In spite of the fact that many natural causes were against such a result, Dr. P. having always
lived a superabundantly active life and being naturally impatient of any restraint upon his activities, God's grace triumphed and that supremely. Our beloved friend did not once murmur, but, on the contrary, gave himself patiently and even praisefully to the accepting of the will of God. His sick room became thus a Bethel, and the severest testing of his life was turned into the greatest victory which that life had ever won for the Lord. At last, however, the pilgrim journey ended, and the pilgrim saint fell asleep in Christ, with the restfulness and trustfulness of a little child. The last words upon the lips which had so long and blessedly witnessed for the truth were those from the Epistle to the Hebrews, "That we might be partakers of his holiness." Nevertheless, it is the fact that in Mr. McC.'s case there was healing, and in the similar case of Dr. P. there was not.
Chapter IV; VARIOUS OBSERVATIONS
It will be observed that I have described in the last two chapters ten separate cases of sickness, with the details of which I am personally familiar. Also, it will be observed that God in answer to prayer, in the first five of these, gave direct and immediate healing, and in the last five, though prayer Was offered, did not give such healing, but healed otherwise or did not heal at all. In addition, it will be observed that I have chosen and arranged the ten cases in such a manner as to establish a parallelism between them, each corresponding set having reference, for the most part, to similar conditions in respect to the persons who were sick, the kind of sickness which prevailed, and the person, or persons, who prayed for healing.
In view of this citation and combination, it is now possible to consider the whole number of the cases in order to attempt to gather from them warrantable conclusions. It must be remembered, however, that any deductions which may thus be made cannot be considered as, in themselves, final. Whatever conclusions may be reached must be submitted to the test of the Word of God, and only such deductions may stand as are found to be in correspondence with the Word. Thus two processes of reasoning will be brought into view. The first process may be regarded as a scientific one, having its real value; the second process will be recognized as a spiritual one, having a supreme value.
At the same time, if the finding from one process confirms that obtained from the other, and if the two are discovered to be in agreement, it may rationally be concluded that the truth, being witnessed to both by Scripture and experience, has been established and may rightfully affect both opinion and practice. The present chapter will be taken up, therefore, with the consideration of the ten eases which have been described, and with the attempt to discover what the facts and principles are which they contain. I shall take the liberty, in proceeding, in view of my familiarity with the details of the cases, to state certain important features of them, which were not mentioned in the descriptions given. Also, for the sake of clearness, I shall put my conclusions in the form of a series of propositions.
It is to be noted, in all of the ten cases mentioned, that the use of means, as represented by physicians, nurses and medicines, was not rejected, either before, during, or after the experience of the sicknesses described. This signifies that God did not condition His acts of healing, in the five cases where He gave direct healing, upon the persons concerned assuming the attitude that the use of means was wrong and was inconsistent with full trust in God. On the contrary, it signifies that God granted direct healing even when means were regarded as allowable, and that He continued to grant such healings, in additional cases, in answer to the prayers of those who used such means.
It is to be noted in all of the ten cases mentioned, with two exceptions, that the individuals concerned did not send for the elders of the church in order that the sick person might be anointed with oil, and yet that God, in five cases, granted direct healing in answer to the prayers offered. It is to be noted also, in the two cases where anointing took place, that God did not answer prayer by direct healing. It is not meant to imply by these statements that the persons who had to do with the cases of sickness and did not have recourse to anointing disbelieved in taking the course described in the fifth chapter of the Epistle of James; nor is it meant to imply, prayer not having been answered in the two cases where anointing with oil took place, that the persons concerned concluded that anointing had been a mistake. The intention is simply to point out the fact that the conditions were
as described. The conclusion, therefore, is rightfully reached that God, in the cases where direct healing was given, did not require that the injunction in the Epistle of James should be complied with, but, on the contrary, was pleased to heal apart from the fulfillment of that injunction. And the further conclusion is rightfully reached, that God, in the cases where anointing was practised, did not consider the obedience which led to the use of oil, even though believing prayer accompanied it, a sufficient reason why healing should in these cases be given.
It is to be noted, in all of the ten cases, that the attitude of those who prayed was not that of claiming healing, as if a universal right had been established by the atoning work of Christ, but rather that of seeking God's will in the given case, and of saying continually, "Thy will be done," until that will was made known. It also is to be observed, that this was the experience in all of the five cases where direct healing was granted as truly as it was in the five cases where healing was not granted.
It is to be noted in all of the five cases where direct healing was given that there were certain facts which gave them a peculiar character. In some cases, there was not time or opportunity to make use of the natural means of healing, if the Christian service which the individual had undertaken was to be continued and fulfilled. In other cases, means had been used and these had failed, so that there was no possibility of healing taking place unless God should bring this to pass in an unusual manner. And lastly, some special spiritual end was manifestly in view as a result of the healing given, such as the showing forth of Christ's power in a peculiarly striking and public way, or the raising up of an individual whose life was of importance in the fulfillment of God's purposes upon the earth.
It is to be noted that the conditions of prayer in the five cases of direct healing were not uniform, but dissimilar. In acme cases, one prayed. In other cases, two united in prayer. In still other cases, many persons, sometimes widely separated, ware agreed together in the prayer which was offered. Again, in some cases, prayer was offered but once. In other cases prayer was offered many times and through long periods of time. In addition, persons who prayed for healing were
heard and answered who had never before had such an experience. And, still in addition, persons who had liberty in asking for healing at one time, did not obtain such liberty at another time; and also, after such liberty, in a given case, had passed away, it was, in some other case, fully restored. It may be added that the only common experience in the prayers for healing which were offered is found in the fact that they were addressed to the Father in the name of Christ, and that they were designed to be for the glory of God and the good of the individual for whom prayer was offered. But it is to be remembered that this last was as truly the fact in the cases where direct healing was not granted as in the cases where it was.
It is to be noted that the faith exercised was not generally of the kind where positive assurance of obtaining the thing asked for accompanied the prayer. There was assurance, so far as is known, in all of the ten cases; but this had reference to the power, love, and wisdom of God rather than to the fact that healing would take place. The general attitude of those who prayed, and hence, of those who exercised faith, was this: they believed that God could heal; that He would heal if it was for His glory and for the good of the person who was sick; and finally, that He could be trusted implicitly to do what was right and best. Thus, those who prayed left the issue f their prayers with the heavenly Father in child-like confidence, repeating the prayer for healing until His will was known, and accepting the answer when it came, whatever it was, with submissive and trustful praise. it is to be observed also, that this submission of faith was as true in the five cases where direct healing was given as in the five cases where it was not given.
It is to be noted, so far as the facts are known, that the nature of the faith exercised by those who prayed for healing did not differ as between the five cases where direct healing was given and the five cases where such healing was not given. Hence, it cannot be inferred, where direct healing was not given, that the persons praying did not believe, or, at least, did not believe sufficiently to have the prayers for healing answered. As a matter of fact, just the opposite of what might naturally have been expected in such respects sometimes took place. In the experiences which I had of praying for healing, with the one
exception of my experience with Mr. McC., I am positive that I had no more consciousness that I was trusting God when prayer for direct healing was answered than I had when such prayer was not answered. indeed, I am bound to say that I was sometimes more conscious of a confidence in God that He would heal when He did not heal than when He did. The natural explanation of this last is this: that God's answering prayer for healing, on a given occasion, strengthened my faith and thus encouraged me to believe more ardently, on a subsequent occasion, though the result in the second case turned out to be just the opposite of what it had been in the first one. This was the fact when I prayed the second time for the healing of my throat; when I prayed the second time for healing from seasickness, and when I prayed the second time for the healing of Mr. Taylor. It seems correct to conclude, therefore, that the putting forth of God's power to heal, while in answer to the prayer of faith, did not depend upon a peculiar quantity of faith, or even upon a peculiar quality of faith, but rather upon the fulfilling of other scriptural and spiritual conditions.
It is to be noted, in the cases where direct healing was delayed and in the five cases where it was not granted, that special spiritual blessings were given to the persons who were permitted to be sick, and that most of the persons, if not all of them, were finally constrained to testify that they believed that the sickness had proved to be even better than health could have been. Mr. McC. has affirmed that the things which did most to separate him from the world to God and give him power to testify of the exalted and glorified Christ was the valleydeep experience through which he passed in the months of his weakness and suffering. Mr. Taylor once told me that his greatest spiritual blessings had come to him in connection with his various sicknesses; and later he made to me the remarkable statement that all of the most important advance movements which had taken place in connection with the China Inland Mission, including its inception, had Come as a direct result of some physical breakdown through which he had been called upon to pass. And, if I may be permitted to refer to my own experience in this connection, I would witness to the fact, that the deepest, the most precious, and the most abiding spiritual lessons which God has been pleased to teach me were learned in consequence
of and during my various experiences of sickness. This last is particularly true in respect to the prayer-life, the praise-life, the life of dependence upon God, and the life which chooses to live, not for the seen, but for the unseen, not for the temporal but for the eternal. All of this has been so blessedly true in my own experience, that I am tempted to agree with the man who said: "Health is the best thing in the world - except sickness!" Indeed, knowing what God has done for me through physical weakness, and being persuaded that certain blessings could never have been given to me in any other way than through such an experience, I feel that it would have been nothing short of a calamity to have missed the physical suffering through which I have passed.
It is to be noted, in all of the five cases where direct healing was given, that the process of healing was not a gradual one, but was instantaneous; and also, so far as the disease which was healed is concerned, that it was accomplished once for all. It is not meant by this that God always answered prayer as soon as it was offered. This was the case in some instances. But in some others, prayer was offered for a long time before deliverance was given. It remains a fact, however, in each of the five cases where direct healing was granted, that when the healing came it was immediate and lasting. In other words, from the moment of healing, prayer was turned into praise, and the petitions which had been offered did not have to be repeated.
It is to be noted, in all of the five cases where prayer for direct healing was answered, that, while the disease healed did not recur, other minor ailments, or even more serious diseases, were experienced, which needed to be faced and dealt with as previous sicknesses had been. I was healed of my cold; but I had many subsequent colds. I was healed of my seasickness; but since then I have frequently been seasick. Mr. McC. was lifted from the place of death; but he has had to take special care of his body and has found that there is a decided physical limitation upon him. Mr. Taylor was frequently recovered by God from severe sicknesses and his life was long lengthened out in spite of a weak heart; but other sicknesses came upon him, and at last it was through heart failure that his earthly life came to an end.