Danish West Indies by F. HALL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 18, 1915

Danish West Indies

By F. HALL

F. HALL

It was advised by the superintendent of the field that I leave Tortola and make this place, Christiansted, St. Croix, my field of labor. I landed here August 4, and found a little church endeavoring to hold up the light before the inhabitants. Some were bearing heavy burdens, while others were careless and indifferent. What each one needs is the spirit of consecration to God and his cause. A time like this demands much prayer.

The Sabbath day is generally spent in religious exercises. There is an excellent young people's and church missionary society combined. Twelve substantial young people attend the home Bible class three times a week, and are making rapid progress. At the end of each month I give them an examination in Bible doctrines. This they enjoy very much. There are about fifteen candidates who are being prepared for baptism. I am glad for the privilege of instructing these young people for the Master's service.

Lessons on health principles, especially on temperance, dietetics, and hydrotherapy, are being given every Monday night. These health talks generally reach men and women who are not interested in their souls' salvation. In this way they come to know of the gospel. The lessons, being practical, teach them how to care for themselves in their own homes.

All the members of the church are health reformers. If the ministers in all our churches would live and teach the principles of health reform, the church members would follow; for example teaches better than precept.

Under the blessing of Him who went about doing good (Matt. 9:35), a poor

blind woman, whom the doctor had given up as incurable, has now been made able to see, by the scientific application of hot and cold water to the eyes and back of the head. She is able to do her housework with the utmost ease.

A mother brought her little boy, about three years of age, suffering from paralysis of both legs. I gave him a mild application of electricity, followed by simple massage. As the result of a carefully regulated diet, cold water applied to the spine, occasionally hot sand around the lower parts of the body, and sea bathing, the child is now able to walk.

Water treatments are not appreciated as they should be, and to apply them skillfully requires work that many are unwilling to perform; but none should feel excused on account of ignorance or indifference on the subject. There are many ways in which water can be applied to relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its use in simple treatments. Mothers, especially, should know how to care for their families in both health and sickness. In any case, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings.

Suffering is seen on every side, but the day is coming when "the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the 'lame man' leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing." Isa. 35:5, 6. The second coming of Christ will surely bring relief to all who love and serve him now.