EPIDEMICS SWEEPING THE COUNTRY.
By T.
DURING the past few weeks all of Southern New Jersey has been in the grip of a scarlet fever and diphtheria epidemic. In numerous towns and villages, both the schools and churches have been ordered closed because of the prevalence of these dread diseases. La grippe has also been epidemic in many parts of the country. It is estimated that fully 500,000 people have been down with it, and many have died. Medical and sanitary skill never stood on so high a level as it does to-day. Physicians were never so powerful to combat disease. But despite these things we find diseases that arise and sweep the whole country, or whole sections of the country, and yet there is no skill to stop them. These things are getting worse and worse. The average length of life has been increased some, but this only because consumptives and persons of this class can be kept alive longer by modern methods than by the old régime. In reality these invalids are enabled to live and reproduce their diseases and defects in their offspring, and in the end the average length of life, that for the time being is increased, will soon be terribly diminished. Do not be deceived by those who tell you that medical skill will soon banish disease from the earth. This skill will greatly mitigate the suffering, but disease is coming in with such an increasing tide that it will be impossible to build sanitary and medical dikes that will stop its sweeping inundations. If you will carefully read the first chapter of the prophecy of Joel, you will see that the prophet is dwelling upon the scenes of the last days. And in those times the beast of the field is groaning, the crop is being destroyed by the ravages of various diseases and pests, and joy is withered away from the countenances of men. Under such conditions, disease and death will be rampant. It can not possibly be otherwise. But those who understand the meaning of these things will not need to fall under the destruction. The Lord has a shelter for every one who will take it. And instead of joy being withered away from the countenance of the servant of Christ, he will be full of joy, and will be seeking to carry that joy to every one who cares to take it.