MORBUS SABBATICUS

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 19, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 32.

MORBUS SABBATICUS.

THERE is a fearful disease which is prevalent among a great many church members, and in order that they may recognize its presence and its danger, we give the following description from an exchange:—

Morbus sabbaticus, or Sabbath sickness, a disease peculiar to church members. The attack comes on suddenly every Sabbath; no symptoms are felt on the preceding night; the patient sleeps well and awakes feeling well; eats a hearty breakfast, but about church time the attack comes on and continues until services are over for the morning. Then the patient feels easy and eats a hearty dinner. In the afternoon he feels much better and is able to take a walk, talk about politics, and read the newspapers; he eats a hearty supper, but about church time he has another attack and stays at home. He retires early, sleeps well, wakes up next morning refreshed and able to go to work, and does not have any symptoms of the disease until the following Sabbath. The peculiar features are as follows:

1. It always attacks members of the church.

2. It never makes its appearance except on the Sabbath.

3. The symptoms vary, but never interferes with the sleep or appetite.

4. It never lasts more than twenty-four hours.

5. It generally attacks the head of the family.

6. No physician is ever called.

7. It always proves fatal in the end—to the soul.

8. No remedy is known for it except prayer.

9. Religion is the only antidote.

10. This disease is often called "systematic lying," but its true name is "morbus sabbaticus," or Sabbath sickness.

11. It is becoming fearfully prevalent, and is sweeping thousands every year prematurely to the devil.—Exchange.