Consumption by John Wilson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 27, 1866

Consumption.

By John Wilson

As the word consumption is a terror to mankind, I have thought that my experience with that disease, might be of benefit to some. It is generally thought that when a person is taken down with this much-dreaded disease, death is certain. This is not always the case. By strict obedience to the laws of health, and a trust in the promises of God, even the consumptive may get better.

One year ago last April, I was taken down with the bronchitis, which ran into the consumption. I consulted an eminent physician. He thought I was past help. I constantly grew worse till fall, when I was taken with hemorrhage of the lungs. I had ten, the last leaving me very weak. But in answer to the faithful prayers of God's people, and by strict obedience to the laws of health, my life was spared, but I was very low with a constant cough through the winter. I had one more hemorrhage in the spring. I then called for the elders and they followed the directions of James v. 13, 14. The Lord heard prayer and blessed us. I was greatly strengthened and encouraged, but was again brought under the power of the enemy and seemed to grow worse for a while. But my trust was still in God, and my efforts were to live hygienically; and I began to gain. My cough ceased; and in July last, I began to labor. I have been steadily improving since that time, and am now able to do a moderate day's work.

I have reason to praise God for the light on the health reform. I have been very strict in my diet, and have eaten only two meals a day. My treatment has been, water, air, exercise, and rest. God has blessed the means and I am now recovering my health. And I mean, by the grace of God, to try to live to his glory here, and with all the redeemed be counted worthy to enter that land where there will be no sickness, sorrow, or death.

JOHN WILSON.

Wright, Ott. Co., Mich.