Experiences of Spiritual and Physical Healing (Triumphs of Faith 1.7)

EXPERIENCES OF SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL HEALING.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases. –Psa. ciii: 23.

            Hamilton, Ont., May 14, 1881

Dear Miss Judd:

It is with feelings of great gratitude to God that I take this opportunity (by your request) of giving an account of the marvelous way in which my health has been restored. It has been a number of years since I have known what it is to enjoy even a comparative degree of health, but since my husband’s death, which occurred over three years ago, I have been a great sufferer.

I need not enter into particulars regarding the years of affliction and bereavement through which I have passed. If it has not been for the support and solace of my Heavenly Friend, I could not have endured my trials.

Although not fit for work, I had been running a sewing machine until last August, when I was taken down with a complication of diseases along with exhaustion of the nervous system, which had seriously affected my spine. It is impossible to describe what I at times suffered with my head, the intense agony, and pressure on the brain seemed more than mortal could bear. I would then become cold all over with twitching of the nerves, and every appearance of approaching death.

All that the best medical skill could do for me, was done, my physician, Dr. Vernon, being classed among the most celebrated physicians in this city, and from the first of my illness he candidly acknowledged my case to be a very critical one, and that, if I recovered, it could only be with the greatest care and best of nursing, which situated as I was it was impossible for me to receive.

I have not been able to get out of bed without assistance, and then only with the greatest difficulty to the rocking chair. Sometimes for a week or two I have had such severe attacks as not to be able to turn myself in bed. My spine became weaker and my ankles and knees seemed to have lost all strength. About nine or ten weeks ago, two ladies called to see me, and in the course of conversation one of them remarked what a good thing it would be fore me, if I could be raised up by prayer and faith, as was Miss Judd. I smiled incredulously, I am obligated to confess, feeling rather more the assurance of the blessing of God on the means used, than His blessing without them.

Two weeks after, your correspondent Miss C. read your little book to me. I was much interested in hearing it, but still I did not then realize my glorious privilege, as His child to “ask and receive, that my joy may be full.” I continued praying much, as I had done all through my illnesses, that, if it were the will of God, that He would spare me to my children; at the same time many doubts would arise as to the possibility of my getting better. (And yet I have had many manifestations of the power and willingness of the dear Saviour in answering the prayers of His children.”

I knew nothing of Miss C.’s writing you, until your answer was put into my hand, appointing the hour for united prayer. I then felt very much impressed that it was in accordance with the will of my Heavenly Father. That “man’s extremity was God’s opportunity.” That He had been influencing the hearts of my friends in my behalf. I commenced to pray for an increase in faith and received many comforting assurances, until Thursday the day appointed for special prayer. In the morning I was worse, dreadful back and headache; not only was I suffering physically, but terrible temptations and doubts took possession of me.

At seven in the evening my minister, Rev. G. W. Henderson, came in and talked and prayed with me. After he left I felt easier, and the passages which had before been very comforting, again occurred to my mind. I John v:14, 15: “And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we will have the petitions that we desired of Him.” Also John xv: 7,9: “If ye abide in me,” etc.

light commenced to break in upon me, and gradually I realized the power of Jesus as my “conquering Lord.” One “Who healeth all our diseases.” I then remembered that if I fully trusted in Jesus I was to act faith by getting up. While thinking “how am I ever to do that?” I felt an inward voice, “rise up and walk.” I knew that it was my Saviour’s command, and instead of resting any longer, I was afraid of not obeying at once, so springing from the bed, I called to a friend who was the only one in the house with me (excepting one of my little girls) to give me her arm, and with her I walked to the front door, and back to the rocking-chair. As soon as my feet touch the floor I felt no longer pain in my ankles or knees, and immediately my soul was filled with love of Jesus! I began praising Him. I felt then, as if I wanted all my friends with me to praise the Lord. After sitting for a while I felt chilly, so arising without any assistance whatever, I walked back to my bed.

            “All hail the power of Jesus’ name,

                        Let angels prostrate fall;

            Bring forth the royal diadem,

                        And crown Him Lord of all.”

I have been up the greater part of the day ever since.

On the third day walked out into the yard. On the forth took a drive, and I have since several times walked out. I am now trusting for complete recovery. My friends met with me on the evening of the 22^nd and held a most delightful praise meeting. My earnest desire is to be kept very humble. “Adorning the doctrine of God my Saviour in all things,” and “Glorifying Him in my body and spirit, which are His.”

            Yours in Christian Love,

                        Mrs. L. J. Mottashed.

Pray One for Another - M. Bowen (Triumphs of Faith 1.7)

PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER.

BY M. BOWEN.

No words can adequately express the condescension and kindness of the Most High in permitting us to pray. Were we allowed to pray only for ourselves, the privilege would be inestimable, but the permission is not thus restricted. On the contrary we are not merely permitted, but encouraged and even commanded to pray for others, especially for our Christian brethren. It is a duty often enjoined upon us in the sacred Volume.

 

When we intercede with the “Father of Mercies” in behalf of each other, we may rest assured we are doing that which He will graciously approve. We should pray for one another, for this one of the most certain and effectual means of doing good to others. Our Divine Masters “went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil,” but He did far more good to mankind by His prayers than by His miracles – glorious, gracious and God-like as the latter unquestionably were.

The Holy Spirit teaches us to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. vi:10), and though every available means of doing this ought to be employed, yet without frequent and fervent prayer one for another, we neglect the most important way in which this exhortation should be obeyed.

Again we ought to pray one for another, because this will both manifest and foster our affections for each other. Mutual prayer is an evidence and nourisher of mutual Christian love. “He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Our prayers are often marred by selfishness, and here as elsewhere selfishness impoverishes instead of enriching. If we ask only for ourselves we shall obtain little. If we ask largely for others also, we shall receive largely; and prayer for others will tend to foster and mature not a few of the graces of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Let us continue to pray one for another because this will frequently fan the flame of devotion when it might otherwise, almost, if not totally expire. O, beloved, let us never grow too cold or indifferent to pray for others.

God's Mercy - Alice M. Ball (Triumphs of Faith 1.7)

GOD’S MERCY.

BY ALICE M. BALL.

I want to speak of Christ, and of what I know of “His wonderful goodness to the children of men,” His goodness to those who put their trust in Him; those who wait for Him, who hope in His mercy. “The pure in heart shall see God” (St. Matt. v:8). He has Himself declared it, and it is for us to try and find His word immutable, His promise sure.

For a long time our hearts have been crying, “Make us pure in heart, O Lord, for we are fully purposed that we will see Thee.” The dear Lord remembereth the word unto His servant, upon which He has “caused us to hope” (Psa. cxix:49), and although it is through tempestuous storms that He sometimes maketh His way, it is only for “a small moment” that He hideth His face from us, but with everlasting mercy He beareth us in mind. It is towards the many pale prisoners in sick rooms that my heart turns with utterable yearnings, and to those dear ones I long in Christ’s name to say, “Be strong and of a good courage.” I seem to hear the piteous cry, “Who is sufficient for these things?” and to hear weariness exclaim, “My flesh, and my heart faileth!” But again I hear the gracious response, “The Lord thy God… He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”-(Deut. xxxi:6.)

O, dearly beloved, let us never lose our courage. “He is faithful that promised;” it must he a constant application of faith in the promises, that bringeth victory. Only n Christ’s name can we succeed.

We need Thine aid; forevermore we pray
            Thee,
From treacherous paths guide our weak human
            feet.
Far out of self, completely and securely
And into Christ, our refuge and retreat.

The Enemy's Work - W.L.G. (Triumphs of Faith 1.7)

THE ENEMY’S WORK.

BY W.L.G.

“Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with Whom is no variables, neither shadow of turning.  – James. i:16,17

Is it true that God doeth all things? If God is the author of all things-and this fact is fully fixed in our minds0then how can we be disturbed at any of the events of life, however painful or afflictive they may be? If this be true, every event should be a cause of earnest thanksgiving and praise to God.

But let us pause a moment and ask the question, “Is God the author of all things?” In answer to this let His own words be heard in the case of the woman who had been bowed together “lo, these eighteen years.” He says, “Satan hath bound her.” Had you been permitted to call at this woman’s home before she was healed, you would doubtless have heard her friends, in their sympathy, encouraging her to bear with fortitude her affliction and being sent from God.

Let us be entirely sure that our afflictions are from God before we say, “Let us bear them patiently and not ask to have them removed.” Had this woman ascribed her affliction to God for these long, eighteen years, she would most clearly have been ascribing to Him that which He most clearly denies.

Again, in the parable where the tares are represented as appearing among the wheat, our Saviour says, “An enemy hath done this.”

The Word very clearly sets forth that God is not the author of our temptations, but that “every good gift and every perfect gift” is from Him. In James i:13,14, we read, “Let no man say that he is tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man, but every man is tempted when he is drawn away from his own lust and enticed.” Sin is the greater confidence for deliverance when we realize that He is not the author of our afflictions, but that “an enemy hath done this.”

But you say, “He permits suffering.” Yes, He permits it until we are willing to trust Him for the deliverance which He has already provided for us. He also permits sin to exist in the world, but He is not the author of sin. I should be very unwilling to charge God with being the author of all the wickedness and confusion which we find in this world, then why ascribe to Him all our sickness and afflictions when He so plainly teaches us that “an enemy hath done this”?

The question may arise, “Does not God approve of these afflictions?” The fact of their existence does not prove God’s approbation of them, any more than the fact of the existence of sin proves His approbation of that. The adversary would gladly charge God with being the author of this world’s misery.

Let us rather realize that sickness and suffering are but the withering blighting touch of the Devil, and this will lead us to flee to the Saviour for aid, flee to His loving embrace, and ask and trust Him to fulfill in us the redemptive plan already provided for soul and body.

The provisions are abundant, and the terms are but to ask and receive, “that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

My Experience -A.W.P. (Triumphs of Faith 1.7)

MY EXPERIENCE.

BY A.W.P.

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly… Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it.”
 – 1 Thess. vi:23,24

Five years ago last April I was converted. And before I write another line let me tell you the definition of the word “converted.” Webster says it means “to be turned or changed from one state to another. A radical change of heart.” That was just what took place at that time in my case. I had many years before made and outward profession of religion, and united with the Presbyterian Church, but in one short month was whirled away by the tide of worldliness and gaiety around me into my old life of fashion and folly.

Neither my pastor nor any Christian friend ever remonstrated with or attempted to check me in the miserably inconsistent life which I continued to lead from that time forward, until the Lord in mercy prostrated me upon a bed of sickness, there to teach me by sore discipline what my proud heart refused to learn in any other way.

At the time of my conversation I turned with utter loathing from the things which I had all my life intensely loved. I saw that all my profession of Christianity, all my good works in the Church, while at the same time I continued my life of selfishness and frivolity in the world, was, in the sight of God, “as filthy rags.” I saw that I had been vainly trying to do what the Lord Jesus says it is simply impossible for us to do, vis., serving two masters. I was very sick in souls as well as body. I abhorred myself as thoroughly as ever Job did, and saw myself a poor sinner, unworthy to so much as lift my eyes to my Saviour’s face.

But at least I ventured to come to Him, and, casting myself upon His mercy, entered into a covenant with Him, then and there, vowing that if, in His infinite compassion, He would raise me from my bed of suffering, my life should henceforth be dedicated wholly to His service. I know that He accepted the offering I brought, and did, for Christ’s sake, forgive me my sins; and at the same time I was enabled to grasp Him by faith as the Great Physician I needed for my pain-racked body as well as my sin-burdened soul. In answer to persistent, believing prayer, I was lifted from a condition of great physical suffering (considered hopeless by my family) into comparative health and strength in a few weeks.

Can any one wonder that I look back to that time as a marked epoch in my life? It was a new birth to soul and body. It was emerging from the seclusion and bondage of a sick chamber into a bright and beautiful world once more, never before half so lovely to me. It was walking the streets among my fellow-beings along and independent after many weary years of helplessness and isolation. All who have been invalids and have tasted the delights of convalescence, can picture this and rejoice with me in recalling it. The exquisite sense of joy in everything, -the tiniest, humblest flower, the grass, the sunshine and balmy air, the song of birds, the sounds of activity and vigorous life on every hand, the welcome greeting of astonished friends who had long since despaired of ever seeing me again upon the street,-all these combined to make the days of recovery memorable ones. But when is added to his he still greater joy of the soul which the newborn Christian feels, it does, indeed cast a halo over such a time which passing years can never efface.

The most natural thing in the world for me to do, after so wonderful an experience, was to arise like poor Bartimeus and “follow Jesus in the way,” and the next most inevitable result was to being to sound His praises on every hand, to tell what a Saviour had found and to try with all my might to win souls for Him.

I spoke to the high and the low of His mercy to me. I felt as if were I to remain silent “There very stones would cry out.” I strove to follow Him through “good report and evil report,” through charges of fanaticism and even of insanity, through trials manifold, and sorrows many and heart0rending. I worked and wrote and talked for Him, and tried to let my light shine everywhere.

Now, dear reader, I think you will all agree with me that was conversion. I gave up the world joyfully; it had lost its charm for me. My Bible and prayer and the various means of grace were my delight, the fellowship of Christian people an ever-increasing joy. Was not that a new birth? I said from my heart with Paul, “the things that I once loved, now I hate, and that which I hated, now I love.”

Was I not “a new creature”? Was I not a child of God, born into His kingdom? If I had space to relate through what stormy times I was led, and how I clung to my Saviour when everything seemed slipping away beneath my feet, I think you would all agree with me that I was truly converted. Now, although I did love God and earnestly desired to keep all His commandments and live for Him alone, and although I was daily laboring in His vineyard and did not for a moment think of returning to my own life of worldliness, yet, to my great sorrow and surprise, I frequently found myself overcome by the Tempter. There was much time spent in agonizing prayer, and many bitter tears of repentance shed whenever I thus fell into sin, and then I would arise with new resolutions and go on triumphantly again for a time. But lo! another artful attack of the Enemy of all souls and I would find myself again defeated. This warfare finally became simply unbearable, and the distress of mind in which I was plunged amounted to despair. I began to cry out in agony of soul, and there came a day when, feeble in body and heavily burdened in mind, I wept long and sadly over my many defeats, an the thought came, “s it possible for any one to live a victorious Christian life? Has any one ever been delivered fully from the horrible bondage of sin in this world? Oh! is there no help? Will I never be free? Where can I go for instruction in this matter? Who can enlighten me?” I thought of various friends in the city, professing Christians, but instantly felt that they could not shed any light on the subject.

Reader! at that time I had never even heard of “Sanctification.” I had never even heard any one say that it was possible for us to lead a holy life. I never heard Jesus referred to as a perfect Saviour, or been told that He had power to save not only from the guilt but the power of sin in this life. My longing soul was reaching out for something of which I was entirely ignorant. I panted for liberty, entire liberty in Christ. I felt that there must be a higher way, but I could not have defined it, had any one asked me to do so. I only knew that I was heartsick and yearning for the light, which I felt that there must be behind these overshadowing clouds.

At that very moment, as I was pondering my many disastrous defeats with a hungering and a thirsting which I could scarcely understand, the Lord in mercy sent a messenger to me, to guide me into the way of truth. Of this I will speak further in another chapter.

[To be concluded]*