ASPR Journal, V14 - Iapsop.com

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272 lottrnal of the American Society for Psychical Research.
Mr. Hickson also said that in his opinion a large percentage
of persons in the insane asylums are obsessed, and not suffering
from any form of brain disease or mental deterioration, and
claimed that he had in many instances restored such persons to
sanity in a moment of time. He told the story of a girl who,
having resisted his aid, committed suicide in a field. And that
her spirit continued to cry and scream around the spot where
her body had lain for several days to the great terror of the
neighbors. He went to the place and explained to the girl that
she was dead, and advised her to leave that spot and go on.
promising her help in the other world, and the cries ceased.
Through another avenue it is learned that Mr. Hickson believes
that he has seen spirits. He also believes that his healing
gift is conferred upon few persons. That is, it depends upon a
something in addition to faith, for he cannot doubt that many of
his brother clergy have as great faith as he, though utterly impotent
to heal as he does.
He is gaining wide acceptance in the Episcopal body and has
had healing meetings in many of its leading churches. It is
doubtful if he could have found entrance had he not have clothed
his teachings in orthodox phraseology, and especially had he
called himself a healing medium. Nor do we suggest that there
is any reason why he should alter his forms of speech, but only
that there may be a distinction in his case without much of a
difference.
vVe have statements from competent and critical observers
· that not only functional maladies but organic ones have been
cured by Mr. Hickson, and hope to be in a position to test some
' of these claims for ourselves. Whether he will consider it worth
while to assist this Society more definitely and minutely than has
come to our attention, time will tell. In the mearitime it is interesting
to see the Church awaking to the possibility of renewing
the function of spiritual healing which it claims was its early
possession.
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