DIPTHERIA by M. A. Green

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 17, 1862

DIPTHERIA.

By M. A. Green

BRO. WHITE: As I read of the ravages of diptheria, published in the Review of May 6, I thought, Can it be that the nature of this fearful disease is understood? or are the people left to suffer from physicians' prescribing something, not knowing whether it is the thing needed or not? and my sorrowing heart would gladly tell a little of my own experience if perhaps it might benefit some one. After the death of our little boy, whose obituary was published in last week's Review, being convinced that more was necessary than had been done for him, we sent to Hermon, about twenty miles distant, where were three physicians, and Dr. Wesley Rice came here. He said the disease did not run high, like a fever, but ran low, and the sufferer needed stimulants. In many cases they were absolutely necessary from the first appearance of the disease. Although he did not talk very encouragingly respecting our little girl, he left medicine and orders, saying he could do no more if it was his own child, except to increase the stimulants. His orders were strictly followed most of the time, and the child recovered. There have been three other cases near by. Dr. R. visited one, and the others obtained his medicines, used them faithfully, and recovered. I cannot find out that he has ever lost a patient. Although my trust is not in man, I believe the Lord blesses the right use of means as much for the recovery of the sick as for any other purpose. Why not?

The medicine and directions we had were as follows:

Tincture of chloride of iron, to be mixed with soft water, half and half, for swabbing the throat, to be used once in six hours. Ten drops of the same in a tea-spoonful of water, to be taken once in four hours. A tea-spoonful of brandy fixed in warm sling, once in four hours. A quinine powder every night and morning, and if necessary to keep her from sinking, we might give a

large spoonful of brandy every half hour. We sometimes swabbed the throat oftener than our orders.

I have written this in sympathy for sufferers from this dread disease. If you please to publish it, may God's blessing rest upon it.

I will only add that I am still trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord; have tried to pray that God would sanctify to my good the afflictions through which I am called to pass. I have found much consolation in the words of Jesus where he says, "I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore; amen, and have the keys of hell and of death." O I rejoice in the hope that the time is coming when death and the Devil will be destroyed, and Jesus shall have the victory forever, and the redeemed shall return and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.

M. A. GREEN.

Fine, St. Law. Co., N. Y.