A Word of Explanation by E. J. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 18, 1902

A Word of Explanation

By E. J. Van Horn

THE past few months I have been on a farm, hoping fully to recover from a disturbance in my nervous system. For ten years I have been troubled more or less with a jarring or pounding in my spine. This was caused by a drayman's letting a box of about thirty or forty pounds fall on my back while I was near the wagon, moving a tub of dishes. I was crushed to the ground, and so disabled that I could not walk for three weeks.

After taking treatment at the Sanitarium for five or six months, I was able to resume my work, but I still suffered with my spine; and as I grew older, it seemed to get worse. Last fall I was advised by several eminent doctors to retire from my mental work, and take absolute rest. During a tent meeting or a revival service lasting four or five weeks, I have found it almost impossible to get sufficient sleep to enable me to carry on my work.

Now, because I am not actively engaged in the work, many of my brethren and sisters are inquiring if I am discouraged. To all who may be thinking or asking such questions, I will say that my courage in the dear Lord is good, and my faith grows brighter, and the third angel's message is plainer, than when I first believed. I know that the third angel's message is present truth for the world to-day, and I hope soon to gather sufficient strength to enter into the great battle to help rescue many precious souls for God. I am glad to receive your kind letters, and thank you for them, and to you all, I say, Be of good cheer, Read John 16:33; 1 Cor. 15:58. E. J. VAN HORN.