=15.= The usual method of administering to the sick is by the imposition of hands of those who possess the requisite authority of the priesthood;--this being agreeable to the Savior's instructions in former days,[681] and according to Divine revelation in the present day.[682] This part of the ordinance is usually preceded by an anointing with oil previously consecrated. The Latter-day Saints profess to abide by the counsels of James of old,[683] "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." [681] The same; see also James v, 14, 15. [682] Doc. and Cov. xlii, 43-44. [683] James v, 14, 15. =16.= Though the authority to administer to the sick belongs to the elders of the Church in general, some possess this power in an unusual degree, having received it as a special endowment of the Spirit. Another gift, allied to this, is the power of exercising faith to be healed;[684] which is manifested in varying degrees. Not always are the administrations of the elders followed by immediate healings; the afflicted may be permitted to suffer in body, perhaps for the accomplishment of Divine purposes,[685] and in the time appointed of the Lord, His children pass through bodily death. But let the counsels of God be observed in administering to the afflicted; then if they recover, they live unto the Lord; and the assuring promise is added that those who die under such conditions die unto the Lord.[686] [684] Doc. and Cov. xlvi, 19; xlii, 48-51; see also Acts xiv, 9; Matt, viii, 10; ix, 28, 29. [685] See instances of Job. [686] Doc. and Cov. xlii, 44-46.