Affliction and Healing from Neuralgia
By P. H. Moffett
BRO. WHITE: I wish to say to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am still striving to walk in the light of the third angel's message; and although it has been nearly a year since I have contributed any thought to the columns of the Review, it is not because my interest has lessened in the cause of truth; but I can say that my interest and love for the present truth is greatly increasing. But in common with many of the brethren and sisters, I have it to say that the past year has been to me one of affliction and trial. For the encouragement of others, I will briefly state some of my experience in this time, and what the Lord has wrought for me. I would say that I have been afflicted with the painful disease, neuralgia, for a number of years, and was suddenly attacked again last July, and in so powerful a manner that I was brought near the grave. I was taken on the 10th inst. with a pain in my right jaw, which soon spread through the right side of my face and neck, and notwithstanding the many means used to stop its progress, it increased so rapidly that in a week's time I was reduced so low that I could scarcely speak, and my head was drawn sidewise by a contraction of the nerves and muscles in my neck, and my sufferings were so great that I felt assured that I could endure it but a short time. While thus suffering, and praying, "Jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me," the words of the apostle came with great force to my mind, "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." James v. 15. I then desired that those present should unite in prayer in my behalf. I told them I had faith to believe that God would answer their prayers, if they would but claim the promises. Then several prayers were offered up to a throne of grace for my recovery. Never did prayer sound sweeter to me than in that moment of pain and anxiety. Oh, what joy, faith, hope, and gratitude, filled my heart, when I began to realize that their prayers were heard and being answered. The first had not ceased praying when the pain began to lessen; when all had finished, I rose up in bed and could speak with my usual voice, and my head had its natural position, and the pain was nearly gone. I then got out of bed, walked across the room to the table, picked up the precious volume, the Bible, and read aloud. Oh, what a change! One hour before, I could but whisper my request, and now I could read the promises of God aloud. We then retired for the night. I rested well, rose in the morning without pain, but weak, and still suffered from weakness and occasional pains in my face for a number of weeks. I still spread my case before the Great Physician, imploring his blessing on every remedy, and my health was improving rapidly. But I was soon called to pass through another severe trial. On the first of October last I received the sad news of a dear sister's death. When I received this sad information, I was still feeble in health, and as I had not heard of her sickness, I could not at first be reconciled. I thought of the many hours she had watched over me in sickness. Her words of comfort and cheerful smile, they were all in the past, and I had not had the privilege of repaying her in her last sickness. Oh, I thought I could not endure my trials longer, but must soon be laid in the grave also; as my health now was failing instead of improving, and amid trials, persecutions, and the addition of my present bereavement, I for a time had no hope of recovering my health. But the love of God has sustained me in my trials, and if I am submissive to his will, and receive these afflictions aright, they will work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I feel thankful for the light we as a people have received in regard to the health reform, and from which I have been much benefited; for as I have endeavored to live in obedience to the laws of life, and have given up the use of tea and coffee, relying on the Great Physician for overcoming grace, my health has improved within the past six months far beyond my expectations, so that at present, I enjoy the best health I have in five years, for which I have great reason to thank God. Dear brethren and sisters, to you who have suffered like afflictions I would say, be of good cheer; our sufferings will soon be ended, and we shall reap if we faint not. The crown, the kingdom, and eternal life, are just before us, and though we are living in perilous times, God is able to deliver us, and in the language of Paul I would say, "Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,—and having done all to stand." Your sister in the truth.
P. H. MOFFETT.
Seville, Mich., Apr. 25, 1866.