A Personal Experience by M. Leatherman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 28, 1907

A Personal Experience

By M. Leatherman

I HAVE often thought that a short sketch of my experience as an invalid at Phoenix, Ariz., might be an encouragement and help to those who are broken in health.

My first arrival at Phoenix was early on the morning of Nov. 23, 1904. Weary, lonesome, and sick I made my way to the Arizona Sanitarium, then and still under the medical care of Dr. E. C. Bond. Pulmonary tuberculosis had reduced me much, and as I presented myself for admission the doctor said to me: “Brother Leatherman, I am glad you

are here,” and I knew at once that he meant it. Our kind Heavenly Father had guided me to a haven of rest where I could study the lesson he had in the trial for me, and at the same time apply the healing balm of warm and usually dry and pleasant weather.

For a time it seemed that I would go down, but as I sought him he graciously added his blessing to sunshine, air, and medical attention given; and to his eternal praise, I made a rapid recovery, so much so that when I returned to my home, near the city of Mankato, Minn., I was hailed with such expressions as this: “Well, Brother Leatherman, is that you? We never expected to see you alive.” And thank God, I could say, “Well, I am here.” From the time the dear Lord saw fit to remove the terrible cough nearly two years ago, I have never been troubled with it since, and the doctor here has repeatedly examined my lungs with the remark, “I can detect no irregularity in the respiratory sounds.” My home physician at Mankato, Minn., last summer asked me if I was not troubled at all with a cough, and my answer was, “No more than I ever have been from childhood, when I take a cold. This is not often.” With surprise he said, “Wonderful!”

Last winter I gave most of the treatments in the bath-room, but as it was too confining for me I took other work. I have been engaged in general work around the sanitarium most of the time this winter. I was not weighed when the disease had reduced me the most, but after I had begun to gain I weighed one hundred and twenty-eight pounds. I now weigh one hundred and fifty-nine pounds, and indications are that I will be heavier than that.

To any one who may be suffering as I was, let me say: Do not wait until you are down. Face the probabilities in the case, learn the facts though they be disagreeable and serious; then without delay combat the disease by taking advantage of every natural element our kind Father has given in sunshine, air, water, and food, at the same time remembering that the proper use of natural remedies is no denial of the faith we profess.

When you have done this you have only done your duty, and you may expect God’s mighty help in your behalf, as you yield yourself to be rightly exercised by the trial of your faith. Do you love the Lord? If so, then remember that “All things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28. As we recognize God’s hand in affliction and seek to learn the lesson he has in it for us, then shall we “discern mercy in misery, gain in the loss of all things. . . . When the Light of the world passes by, privileges appear in all hardships, order in confusion, the success and wisdom of God in that which has seemed failure.” —“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 272.

I trust that I have learned at least a goodly part of the lesson for me in affliction, and though not entirely well in every particular, I see more fully than ever before the hand of God in all his blessed providences, and though I see indistinctly, as the blind man who saw men as trees walking, yet I trust the Master’s hand for a few more kindly touches that I may see all his instrumentalities and providences for the salvation of souls as they are, and thus be qualified to witness for him effectually and faithfully at all times and in every place.

In conclusion I wish to say, Should any one wish to inquire of the doctor as to his success in the treatment of invalids of every kind, I feel confident that he will cheerfully and conscientiously respond to your inquiry. There are special treatments and diet given that have, with the blessing of God, produced remarkable results in diseases usually regarded as incurable.

M. LEATHERMAN. Phoenix, Ariz.