FOR HEALING THE SICK.
Jesus Christ has left us his example for laying hands on the sick, that they might be healed. He touched the hand of Peter's wife's mother, and the fever left her; Matt. 8. 15. "He laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them;" Mark 6. 5.
About the close of his earthly mission, Jesus said to his disciples, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature;" and promised them that if they would lay hands on the sick, they should recover; 16. 15, 18.
"By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;" Acts 5. 12.
The Lord, through his prophet, Joseph, has commanded his people to administer to the sick by the laying on of hands. "And whosoever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nursed with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food, and that not by the hand of an enemy. And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me;" Doc. & Cov., 42. 43, 44.
The ordinance of laying on of hands for the bestowal of authority, power and blessing has characterized all the dispensations of the holy Priesthood. But it does not necessarily follow that the Creator may not bestow these favors in other ways.
Before the flood, the Lord said to Enoch, "Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see;" and the spiritual creations were opened to his vision; P. of G. P., p. 15.
Naaman, the Syrian, was cleansed of his leprosy by washing seven times in Jordan; 2 Kings 5. 10-14.
The blind man, after Jesus had anointed his eyes with clay, received his sight by washing them in the pool of Siloam; John 9. 7. Contrary to the usual custom, Ananias laid hands on Saul, before he was baptized, that he might be filled with the Holy Ghost; Acts 9. 17.
Bible.
Num. 27. 18 take thee Joshua, the son of Nun, and lay thine hand upon him.
2 Kings 5. 11 I thought he would strike his hand over the place.
Mark 7. 33 put his finger into his ears, and touched his tongue.
8. 23 he took the blind man and put his hands on him. 25.
Acts 4. 30 stretching forth thy hand to heal, that signs and wonders be done.
14. 3 granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 20. 58 teachers and deacons have no authority to lay on hands.
25. 8 by his hands you shall receive the Holy Ghost.
33. 15 by the laying on of hands I will bestow the Holy Ghost.
36. 2 will lay my hands upon you, by the hand of my servant.
39. 23 by your hands they shall receive the Holy Ghost, and know me.
42. 43, 44 the elders shall lay hands on the sick.
49. 14 receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Sec. 52. 10. Sec. 53. 3. Sec. 55. 1.
66. 9 lay your hands upon the sick and they shall recover.
68. 25 children should be taught baptism, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost by laying on hands.
27 and their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.
See Mil. Star, Vol. 3, page 59.
History of J. Smith, March 20, 1842.