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An Explanation

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 31, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 53.

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An Explanation

By John W. Covert

I WISH to send a word of explanation through the columns of the REVIEW to my beloved brethren and sisters in Christ.
I lost several years from active service in the ministry on account of poor health. While laboring in Indiana, and more especially in Michigan, I got along quite well; but when I was transferred to Kansas, my health began to fail. I labored there for three years in the ministry.
When I came to the General Conference in Battle Creek in 1901, I was very much discouraged, and was told by our doctors that my only chance to live was to find a quiet retreat, and take absolute rest, with probably no hope of ever engaging again in the ministry. I accordingly went onto a farm, and worked as best I could for seven years. During that time my friends wondered what had become of me. Some supposed I was dead, and others thought I had given up the truth. But I can say that during all that time the truth lost none of its sweetness and power to me. As I noticed in the REVIEW the reports of the rapid progress of the message, my heart was filled with gratitude to God.
I am now living at Cedar Springs, Mich., and am laboring in the West Michigan Conference. The Lord has greatly blessed me, both physically and spiritually, and has made my work a blessing to others. It has been my privilege in the last three months to see more than twelve men and women accept this blessed truth. We hope soon to see these dear souls, with some of the children and youth, organized into a church. Truly the work is onward.
JOHN W. COVERT.