Although phenomena of healing appear to have been frequent in the time of the Apostles (Luke 9:1, 1 Corinthians 12, St. James 5:14-16), we are not justified in assuming that the power to heal is conferred at ordination or that the "gift of healing" is other than a charismatic gift. But in the great revivifying power of the Holy Spirit, the grace of Absolution, the Sacred Oil for the Sick and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, the Church has means of grace which should immeasureably fortify the methods of modern medicine. The time has surely come when the healing and priestly functions may be seen to be in a measure complementary the one to the other, for on all hands there is a growing recognition that bodily ailments are in many instances the outcome of inner maladies of the soul, and in any case can best be remedied when the soul is at peace. The Church of the Rose and Cross will endeavour to restore these ministrations of healing to their rightful place in the economy of life.
