IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.
By W. W. Prescott
Since it was first proposed to prepare a book for use in the Missionary Reading Circle study, the general scope of the work has been changed, and the original plan has been merged into the larger idea of the Forward Movement. This led to enlarged plans as to the nature of the book and the field to be covered by it, and it has been found impossible to have the book ready as early as at first proposed. The Central Committee regret this unavoidable delay in the issue of the book, but still feel that in the end it will be more satisfactory to take sufficient time for the work than to hasten its issue at the expense of that carefulness in preparation to which a treatise of such importance is entitled. In view of this delay, the Central Committee has arranged for the preparation of a series of practical studies, one of which will be printed each week in this department, beginning two weeks from this issue. These studies will deal with the use of water in the treatment of some of the more common ailments, but will include more than arbitrary directions for giving a few treatments. Many people have learned by experience or from observation that a hot fomentation will relieve pain in many instances, while in other cases a cold application may produce a favorable result; but there are comparatively few who can tell the nature of the disorder in the system which is the cause of the pain, or what change must be produced in order to set things right again, or why the application should be hot in one instance and cold in the other, or when or why they should sometimes be alternated. The principles which lie at the foundation of these questions, and the more direct causes of many common disorders, can be understood by any person of ordinary intelligence who is willing to study; and it is for the purpose of bringing some of this information within the reach of those who are willing to study, that these lessons are to be printed. They will be prepared by physicians of experience, and the information given will be scientifically accurate; but a special effort will be made to clothe the ideas in simple language, avoiding technical terms as far as possible, so that none need be deprived of the benefits of the lessons through a lack of previous medical training. In order that the most may be made of this opportunity, and that the results may be as beneficial as possible, the Central Committee suggests that a weekly gathering be held in each church or company in which these studies may be taken up and the practical work actually done. The outfit required would be such as could be brought from their homes by the different members of the class, and need not involve any expense. It only demands interest and leadership to make the movement a success. In many instances some one will be found in the company whose previous experience can be used to excellent advantage in this effort. The first study will be printed in the REVIEW of February 18, and the studies will then follow in regular succession. In the meantime the matter should be considered, the plans laid, and all preparations made so that the studies can be begun not later than the first of March. This will give some time for the home study of the first lesson before it is taken up in a public meeting. All those who are interested in the promulgation of these important truths are earnestly urged to enter heartily into this plan, and to do whatever is reasonable to make it a success. If fifty thousand people will seriously study these principles, and actually make them their own, it will be impossible to estimate the good which may result from these lessons. Much needless suffering may be avoided, and many precious lives saved. Why should any perish for lack of the knowledge that is freely offered to them? Will you co-operate in this effort? In behalf of the Central Committee,
W. W. PRESCOTT, Chairman.