LETTER FROM BRO. DR. ABBOTT.
By S. M. Abbott
The following was written as a private letter to Dr. Lay; but it contains so many good suggestions, and breathes such a love of all the truths we are trying to lay before the world, that we have requested the privilege of giving it to the readers of the Review: DR. H. S. LAY.—Dear Brother: I intended to send you another communication for the Journal, upon the subject of blood-letting. But upon reviewing my article, I decided upon withholding it until there seemed a greater need of contributions. And the more I reflect upon the fact that the practice of bleeding is mostly abandoned, the less I think the article would be of value in the cause of hygiene. It embodied some facts that transpired before I commenced my practice, and some which came under my notice just after beginning the practice of medicine in Buffalo, N. Y. On account of these and other early occurrences, I have always been very much opposed to blood-letting. The last journal (as also former ones) comes filled with valuable truths and practical knowledge. It is just the journal for the people at large. I consider it a God-send to any family who will read and practice its teachings. It certainly diminishes the amount of their doctor bills. And yet I do all I consistently can to circulate it among my friends and patrons. I often wish myself located in a community educated and practicing the hygienic principles thoroughly. In such a community, I should expect to find true Christians and earnest believers in present truth. I have come to believe that the reform diet is inseparably connected with true faith and the plain teachings of the word of God and the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. This conviction I expressed to an old gentleman this morning, upon his stating the fallen condition and faithless state of his (Methodist) church. Then I gave him what I observed at Battle Creek, in the way of living faith and practice of self-denial in the ungodly practices of professedly Christian denominations generally. He seemed waked up to a desire to belong to such a people; but upon learning that they were seventh-day Sabbath-keepers, under the denomination of Seventh-day Adventists, he began to excuse himself and the customs which corrupt and draw away the Spirit of God, that Spirit which he first said had left his church. I tried to show him the point. Dear brother, I want to hear from you, and the dear and well-remembered ones at the Institute. The kind attention I received there can never be forgotten. I am glad to see that Dr. Russell has lost none of his zeal against "Drugopathy." I believe him in the right, and encourage him to redouble his diligence in the crusade. Please give him my Christian regards, and remember me kindly to all who took an interest in me as a guest at the Institute, and accept for yourself and family the kind regards of a brother in Christ.