p. 102 | Review and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 7. (2/18/1902)

STICK TO YOUR BUSINESS.

The Watchman.

An important, although indirect, result of the great commercial and industrial combinations is to enhance the value of independent lines of business. The census statistics recently printed in the Watchman show that sixty-six per cent of all the young men in the country are in the employment of others. This, in connection with the admitted fact that it is becoming more difficult every year to obtain employment, makes clear the significance and happiness of the man who has a business of his own. We do not seek to depreciate the worthiness of work for others. If faithfully done, it is deserving of honor and reward. But the conditions of modern life are certainly emphasizing the position of the man who is his own master.

The recent consolidation of national banks in Boston threw out of employment about two hundred and fifty clerks, many of whom had worked faithfully for years, and knew no other business. Without fault of their own, they found themselves turned adrift. Some soon obtained suitable employment, some were forced to become street-car conductors, and some, we are informed, have not yet found work. Other illustrations might be given, but this is sufficient to show the unique advantage of the man who controls his own work.

The young man whose father has a good farm or a business of his own, may better himself by leaving home and entering the employment of others, but in the majority of cases he will not. The man who has a good farm well stocked, is far in advance of the majority of his fellows. Any one who has any business which he can control, is an important factor in commercial life, and in the development of trade is certain to become more so. He must be reckoned with. While great combinations may sometimes make his way hard, they can seldom throw him out entirely, especially if he is a producer. As such he is one of the foundation stones, even though small. He bears a part in the support of the whole structure of society.

PRACTICAL HYDROTHERAPY.

By C. E. Stewart

Lesson 1—Some Principles of Physiology.

The necessity of a knowledge of the principles of physiology is recognized by comparatively few persons, yet the subject is one which should form the basis of our common-school education.

What can be of more importance than a knowledge of the structure of the human body and of the laws governing “the masterpiece of God’s created works”? Much of the time spent in the study of subjects which are of comparatively little value to the majority of students, could be more profitably spent in the study of physiology and allied subjects. Such a study should not be taken up simply for the purpose of storing the brain with a multitude of facts, but with the object of putting the knowledge to immediate and practical use. There are many persons who spend much time in studying how to prevent their cattle from becoming consumptive, their hogs from contracting hog cholera, and other things of a similar nature, but who scarcely give a thought as to how they can protect their children or themselves from disease.

Every man, woman, and child should be taught the principles of physiology and hygiene, which will enable them better to care for themselves, to prevent sickness, and to employ simple and effective remedies intelligently.

God’s laws are fixed laws wherever found, whether it be in the spiritual or in the physical world; consequently principles can be based upon these laws, which are as fixed and eternal as the laws themselves. The acorn as we find it in the forest has no semblance whatever to the tree from which it has fallen, yet it contains within itself the principles which, when placed in proper surroundings, will develop into a tree of the same species as that from which it dropped. The kernel of wheat, when placed in the ground, germinates, grows, and brings forth other grains of wheat. The acorn never yields a maple, or the kernel of wheat one of barley, because in the beginning God established a law which decreed that an acorn should bring forth an oak, and a kernel of wheat should bring forth wheat: so it is throughout all nature. “After his kind.”

The human body, like the acorn, springs from a seed of miniature size as compared with the parent, and in this seed are stored the principles which are to develop into a complete human being.

This miniature organism, about 1/20 of an inch in diameter, so small that it is difficult to detect it with the naked eye, is spherical in shape, and contains within an outer covering a small body called a nucleus. The whole is called an ovum, or egg, and when it is placed under proper environments, it begins to enlarge, and the nucleus divides into two equal parts; each one of these again divides into two other parts, making four in all. This process of division is kept up until the whole mass, which has become much larger by this time, is so entirely filled with these little spherical cells that it looks like a mulberry. After this a cavity begins to develop in the midst of the cells, and the latter are crowded principally to one side of the sphere, forming an outer and an inner layer; a third layer is soon formed between the first two, and from these three layers every structure of the human body is developed. From the outer layer, or epiblast, the outer skin and nervous system are the chief structures; from the middle layer, or mesoblast, the framework of the body, blood and blood-vessels, and the cells lining the closed cavities of the body; from the lower layer, or hypoblast, the lining of the respiratory and digestive tract.

Attention is called to this for the purpose of bringing out clearly the close association existing between the skin of the body and the nervous system. The nervous system being developed from the same layer as the skin, at once calls attention to the fact that a very close relationship exists between them. This close relationship, however, exists not only between the skin and the nervous system, but between all structures of the body and the nervous system. If it were possible to remove every vestige of tissue from the body, with the exception of the nervous system, we should have, as far as the shape of a human body is concerned, a perfect shape, for every part of the body is full of nerves.

The function of the nervous system is to harmonize and control the various functions of the body. It is divided into two parts: the Central nervous system, consisting of the brain and its nerves, and the spinal cord and its nerves; and the sympathetic system, consisting of a large number of small masses of nerve tissue located on either side, and in front of the spinal cord, and others located in the involuntary muscles of the blood vessels, intestines, and other structures of the body, all of which are joined together by innumerable fibers. The central nervous system governs the voluntary functions of the body, while the sympathetic system governs the involuntary functions. A brief explanation of the anatomy and physiology of these two systems will make clear some important points.

In the first place, the brain is the chief center. In it ideas originate, and plans for execution of movements, etc., are carried out. The nerve tissue proper consists of nerve fibers and nerve cells. The fiber being simply a prolongation of the nerve cell, the whole is called a neuron. This neuron is capable of originating impulses in its cell which are transmitted to remote parts by means of the fiber. For instance, we observe through the sense of sight, some beautiful object, and wish to become more familiar with it. The idea is conceived in the brain that to do so we must handle it; consequently, the impulses generated within the cells of the brain travel to the muscles, which in turn make the necessary movements to enable us to handle the object. There are two kinds of impulses conveyed by these fibers: that which travels from the outside, as from the skin, eye, ear, or any other sensory organ, and is called a sensory impulse; another, which travels from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles, glands, blood vessels, etc., and is called a motor impulse.

The brain is the chief center where these sensory impulses terminate, and from which the motor impulses start. It is made up of innumerable cells and fibers which convey impulses in all directions, over the spinal cord. The spinal cord is made up of pathways consisting of fibers, some carrying impulses from the skin to the brain, others from the brain to the skin, muscles, blood vessels, etc.

The skin is the great sensory organ of the body. The point of a pin cannot be placed upon it without the stimulation of a sensory nerve. These motor and sensory fibers leave the spinal cord in two bundles, or roots; the one leaving the back part of the cord contains the sensory fibers, while the other, leaving the front part, contains the motor fibers. Soon after leaving the cord, these roots join each other, and form a spinal nerve, which passes to its own area of skin, muscle, etc. There are thirty-one pairs of these spinal nerves supplying the various parts of the body with motor and sensory nerves. The brain also sends out twelve pairs of nerves which perform similar functions.

This part of the nervous system, which has been so briefly described, controls the voluntary functions of the body; that is, the functions that are governed by the will. The sympathetic system, which is intimately connected with this system, and is readily influenced by it, has for its function the governing of the involuntary functions of the body, such as the heart-beat, size of the blood vessels, digestion, secretions, and numerous others over which the will has very little, if any, control.

Through the close relationship existing between the central nervous system and the sympathetic system a harmonious action is maintained between the voluntary and the involuntary actions. For instance, when we run, which is a voluntary act, the heart beats faster, and we breathe faster—both involuntary acts—in order that the rapidly working muscles may have a sufficient supply of pure, fresh blood with which to carry on the additional work they have to do in the act of running.

From a knowledge of the foregoing facts, coupled with previous observations, it is not difficult to see how the various functions of the body are readily controlled by impressions made upon the nervous system. It is through influences acting upon the sensory nervous system that most of these changes are brought about. The skin being the greatest sensory organ of the body, it becomes naturally the one through which the most effective influence can act. As an illustration of this, we call attention to the fact that the normal body temperature remains the same in winter as in summer, and the same whether we are in a room at 70°, or out of doors at 20° below zero.

One naturally inquires, How is this equilibrium of temperature maintained?—When the cold atmosphere strikes the skin, the sensory nerves convey impulses to the spinal cord and brain, making known the fact that the temperature is falling; upon receipt of this information, motor impulses are at once sent to the muscles of the blood vessels of the skin, causing them to contract, thereby lessening the amount of heat eliminated from the skin. Impulses are also sent to the tissues in which oxidation is going on, causing a more rapid formation of heat. Thus through the decreased heat elimination and increased heat production brought about through impulses started in the skin, the normal bodily temperature of 98.6° is maintained.

C. E. STEWART, M. D. (Continued next week.)

HOW SHALL WE ESTIMATE THE VALUE OF HEALTH REFORM?

By L. A. Hansen

THERE is danger of our underestimating the real blessing of the truth as it pertains to healthful living. Many temporal advantages and benefits are brought to us through the study and practice of health principles. That these benefits are of no small value is evidenced in the manner in which people of the world are relating themselves to the subject.

Almost any good newspaper nowadays has numerous articles on various phases of healthful living. Some leading magazines devote entire columns or pages to these things, employing persons to give their special attention to that department, and making this feature a matter of special inducement in securing subscribers. There are a number of magazines, with large subscription lists, whose entire work is the discussion of temperance, vegetarianism, physical culture, and like questions. The question columns in the various papers show an increasing interest on the part of the public to know what is the proper thing in eating, drinking, bathing, exercising, etc. The scientific world is hard at work in its endeavor to solve these questions.

A glance at the advertising columns shows that the market is full of health supplies, such as hygienic clothing, cooking utensils, water filters and stills, bathing appliances, exercisers, "home treatment methods," and the like, until one would almost expect every home to be a small sanitarium. In the making of intended health foods there seems to be no end. Large sanitariums are now a very common thing. Almost anything about health receives attention.

So we can see that if we get nothing more from the truth of health reform than its provisional blessings, we have nothing more than the general world may have. We should appreciate it for greater reasons than that it brings to us nut butter and granola, or that we can get sanitary supplies or health literature at a discount or as premiums, or that it opens a way for our young people to find an occupation as nurses, or that it gives to us institutions where we can get rational treatment, or even that it brings to us physical health. These are all good, and are to be received with thankfulness, but they are by no means the fullness of blessing that is intended for us.

Neither should we make the mistake of thinking that health reform has its origin at Battle Creek, or with certain men. It is not a distinct something of itself, added, or attached, to our message. It is not a side issue nor an afterthought. But it is a part of the truth for this time, just as much as is the truth of Christ's second coming or of the true Sabbath, and it has its place to fill in the spiritual development of God's people. It is given us of God, with the rest of His truth, and must be accepted by faith in order to receive its designed blessing.

We believe that the Third Angel's Message is preparing a people for translation. It is developing a people to come up to the full standard of God's law. In its work of bringing spiritual healing to souls that are diseased with sin it must of necessity include healing for the body. The effects of physical transgression are so far reaching and deep seated that it requires more than membership in a health club or the adoption of rules and regulations of hygiene from a worldly standpoint, to do that complete work which God promises us in the gospel of healing.

L. A. HANSEN.

The Proper Use of Water

By William Warren Prescott

The first of the series of studies already announced is printed in this department this week. In order to understand the reasons for the proper use of water, it is necessary that there should first be a study of some of the physiological principles involved. Arbitrary instruction could be given as to the proper way to make certain hot and cold applications, without the study of these principles, but if we wish to have some comprehension of the reason for a certain course of treatment, and to know how certain treatments accomplish their results, we must start with a consideration of a few fundamental principles.

We now urge again that these lessons be systematically studied. One reading will not be sufficient. These fundamental principles should be firmly fixed in the mind. Those who are willing to study will reap the benefit from these lessons. We can do no more than to provide the matter, urge its importance, and earnestly invite all to its study. We hope for a general response.

In behalf of the Central Committee,

W. W. PRESCOTT, Chairman.

THE POWER OF A MOTHER'S VOICE.

By Charles S. Carter

A mother sang to her child one day A song of the beautiful home above, Sang it as only a woman sings Whose heart is full of a mother's love.

And many a time in the years that came, He heard the sound of that low, sweet song; It took him back to his childhood days; It kept his feet from the paths of wrong.

A mother spoke to her child one day In an angry voice that made him start As if an arrow had sped that way And pierced his loving and tender heart.

And when he had grown to man's estate, And was tempted and tried, as all men are, He fell; for that mother's angry words Had left on his heart a lasting scar. — Charles S. Carter.

W. T. BLAND

By W. T. Bland

PRINCIPLES OF PEDAGOGICS FOR HOME AND SCHOOL GOVERNMENT.— NO. 2.

W. T. BLAND

(St. Helena, Cal.)

ALL true principles of government, whether they relate to self-government or to the government of others, are to be found in the Bible. The teachings of the Saviour and His manner of dealing with the people are, of course, of the greatest value. His is the perfect example; for not a wrong principle is laid down nor a mistake made throughout His entire life's work, no matter whether it be the hungry multitude as He commands them to be seated that they may be fed, or the driving out of the money changers from the temple. His word was ever tempered to suit the occasion, though often but a look was necessary. In Him the power of self-control was developed in the highest degree. He suffered all the criticisms, abuses, and buffets so often heaped upon Him, many times by His own brethren, yet always with a spirit of meekness mingled with love and sorrow. Did His followers decide to crown Him king, He quietly slipped from their midst, continuing His work in another place. Of Him it is said that He taught as one having authority.

The Bible also contains examples of many mistakes made in the government and training of children. These, too, should be carefully studied in order that they may be avoided. The life of Eli stands out boldly as that of one who was lax in his government, and who failed to exercise the parental authority so necessary for the good order and general welfare of the family. On the other hand, how reassuring are the words of the Lord as He speaks of Abraham, expressing His confidence in him: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.”

Parents would do well to study carefully the record of the life of the child Samuel, and also that of Timothy. Here may be obtained valuable hints and principles concerning the very earliest training of children. The writings of Solomon should be studied also with much care. The study of these lessons will lead the diligent seeker to other valuable truths found in different parts of the Bible.

FAITH AN ELEMENT.

The text, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin,” is just as true in government as it is of anything else pertaining to the principles of truth. It requires a deep faith in God and in His word before one can fully understand, or is able to appreciate, the lessons he would have learned on this most important subject. In fact, without faith one would hardly accept them as true, and would experience difficulty in putting the principles into successful operation.

God's method of government is very different from that generally in practice by the powers of this world. While both require obedience, yet the one desires it and obtains it through the power of love, and because it is for the best good of the individual, while all things else would be harmful. The other demands it, perhaps to satisfy a personal ambition,—often to assert possessed power,—whether it be for the good of the individual so governed or not. Whatever the result may be, the spirit is military and objectionable.

The true followers of God obey Him, and are willing to follow where He leads, not only because of their deep love for Him, but because of their faith in His power to lead aright. They may not always be able to see or understand all His leadings, but they believe that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” This same spirit is necessary in the government of the home or the school. Parents and teachers should learn well the lesson first; they should study faithfully the principles of government to be found in the Bible, and should master them so far as they pertain to their own self-control and the obedience they should render to God. Then, in the same manner and with the same spirit, let them learn how God would have them apply these principles in the government of their own children or pupils.

First of all, then, the parent or teacher should understand thoroughly the principles of government contained in the Bible. They should have implicit confidence in the efficacy of these principles when put into actual use. With it all, the children should be taught the lessons of love and obedience, and to have unquestioned faith in God, who is able to keep them from falling, also in those who have charge over them, that they are working only for their best good.

COMMON SENSE NECESSARY.

What I mean by common sense is good judgment, or practical sense exercised in the common, every-day things of life,—things that may seem little and unimportant, yet which are of great importance. Every teacher and parent should have constantly on hand a good stock of this commodity, and should be able to use it to good advantage whenever and wherever needed. Perhaps the Creator never endowed mankind with a gift of greater importance. Surely, in the home training of children nothing is more essential. The teacher who is lacking in this element is the one whose work is necessarily a failure. No matter how plausible his theories, or how high his ideals,—and these are necessary,—if he lacks in good judgment, his work is a failure. Common sense enables the parent to meet the thousand and one little perplexing things of life that come up from day to day in the management of restless, growing, learning children; to guide them with steady hand through these most important years of their life. The teacher's work is only to supplement that of the parent. Common sense will suggest that they counsel together, that they understand each other and fully co-operate in their efforts for the successful training of the child.

Yes, good, plain common sense, possessed by an intelligent, level-headed man or woman is of inestimable value, not only in the government of children in the home or school, but in all avocations of life. It is one of those rare gifts of God intended for daily use. It enables the teacher to know how best to deal with the different types of children, to consider their cases not only from his standpoint, but from theirs as well. It tells him when to offer a word of commendation, when to reprove, and how best to do it. It guides him in the assignment of work and in the regulation of amusements. Combined with executive ability and honest integrity, it enables the teacher to bring order out of chaos, to be satisfied with nothing less than complete success.

(To be continued.)

PICTURES IN THE HOME.

By G. B. Thompson

ELDER G. B. THOMPSON.

There is nothing, perhaps, which contributes more to the cheerfulness of a home than a few nice pictures adorning the walls. But in the selection of these we feel sure the greatest care should be exercised. This may seemingly be a small and unimportant matter, but such is not the case. It is something, the writer believes, on which eternal consequences may depend. Pictures have lasting impressions. What we see we remember more readily than what we hear. The attention of children may be secured by means of a picture or other illustration when other means fail. Let a person attend a lecture illustrated with stereopticon views, and the impression made by the pictures will be the most lasting.

So in the home, pictures are exercising a molding influence on the inmates, especially on the children. I remember hearing of a lady who was bewailing to her pastor the sad fact that all her sons, seven in number, had chosen a seafaring life, although they had been raised away from the sea. She could not understand the cause. Her pastor pointed to a picture in her home, of a ship, battling with the wind on the ocean, and told her that that picture was the cause. By constantly beholding it, their youthful minds had been turned in that direction. This forcibly illustrates the point.

I have in mind a lady whose home I used to visit when a boy. She was one of the most crabbed, sour, and disagreeable persons, both to her family and to others, that it has ever been my lot to become acquainted with. I remember seeing in her bedroom a large picture of a man in a cage with a number of ferocious-looking tigers, apparently about to be devoured by them. She looked at this picture daily; it was the last thing she beheld at night, and the first thing on awakening in the morning. During the day she exercised the irritability and characteristics of a tigress. That the picture was wholly responsible I do not claim, but I believe it contributed toward this end.

If thought wise to adorn the walls of our homes with a few simple, inexpensive pictures, let them be carefully selected, and only those chosen which will direct the minds of both parents and children to the Saviour and the future home of the redeemed. Let lambs, rather than tigers, be chosen. By beholding we become changed; so let the pictures and mottoes be such as will elevate the mind, and suggest to us the greatness of God as displayed in nature, and the sweet, loving attributes of the Man of Calvary. It is possible many a boy or girl might have been in the kingdom of God who will be lost had they beheld the right kind of pictures in childhood. Witness the nude art everywhere displayed. The devil is behind all this, well knowing the powerful, corrupting influence it will have on humanity.

Somewhere I clipped the following, which so

beautifully illustrates the mighty power of pictures, that I am sure it will be read with interest by all:—

“Some of you have seen the great picture that was painted by Munkacsy of the Christ. That picture was being exhibited in Canada, at Toronto, I think, and there came a rude, rough, wicked sailor to see it. He entered the room at the time of day when there were no others there; and paying his money to the woman who sat inside the door, he came in and stood for a moment, looking at the canvas as though he would glance at it and go away. But as he looked, he could not turn. He stood there with his eyes fixed on that central figure of majesty and love. In a few moments he took off his hat, and let it fall upon the floor. After a few moments more he sat down upon a seat, and then he reached down and picked up a book that described the picture, and began to read; and every few seconds his eyes would turn toward the canvas and toward the figure of Christ. The lady who sat by the door saw him lift up his hand and wipe away the tears. Still he sat; five, ten, fifteen, sixty minutes went by, and still the man sat there as though he could not stir. At last he arose, and coming softly and reverently toward the door, he hesitated, to take one last look, and said to the woman who sat there: ‘Madam, I am a rough, wicked sailor; I have never believed in Christ; I have never used His name except in an oath; but I have a Christian mother, and my old mother begged me to-day before I went back to sea, to go and look at the picture of the Christ. To oblige her I said I would come, and I have come. I did not believe that anybody believed in Christ; but as I have looked at that form and that face, I have thought that some man must have believed in Him, and I am going out from this time to be a believer in Jesus Christ and a follower of His.’”

The Physician by the Fireside.

By Frederick M. Rossiter, M.D.

Conducted by Frederick M. Rossiter, M.D.

All questions intended for this department should be addressed to Dr. F. M. Rossiter, 294 Van Buren St., Battle Creek, Mich. Those desiring a reply by mail should send self-addressed envelope, and postage.

19.—Treatment for Marasmus.

What is the proper treatment for marasmus? E. W.

Answer.—Marasmus means to make lean. It is due to a lack of nutrition. Not that the system is not furnished with sufficient food, but that the food is not absorbed and assimilated.

In an adult every effort should be made to improve the appetite, by acting upon the nervous and circulating systems. Apply fomentations to the spine, or hot and cold sponging over the spine, for ten minutes; fomentations over the stomach and liver for ten minutes, followed by the application of a towel, or compress, rung out of water at 60°, and allowed to remain for fifteen minutes; cool sponging of the body with friction each day, or sponging with salt water; hot foot bath two or three times a week; breathing exercises two or three times a day; kneading the abdomen with the hands once or twice each day after meals—beginning one hour after the meal.

The diet should consist of such foods as are quickly and easily digested. Thoroughly toasted cereals, zwieback, granose, toasted whole-wheat flakes, malted nuts or milk, may be used. The patient should go to bed, and eat lightly four or five times a day.

20.—Cold Sponge Bath.

Please answer the following questions through the Review and Herald: Is it safe for me to take a cold sponge bath at this time of the year? I have been used to the Southern climate, having been in the North only a few months. I have catarrh of the head. F. C. H., Mo.

Ans.—Yes. Begin with the water at 85°, and lower it one degree each day until down to 60°. While bathing, rub vigorously with a coarse cloth, and dry with a coarse towel. This will help your catarrh.

21.—Salt-Water Sponge Bath.

1. In taking a salt-water sponge bath in the morning, how much salt should be added? 2. What is the value of the salt-water bath?

Ans.—1. Sea water contains from three to four per cent of salt, and Great Salt Lake contains about twenty-three per cent. Bathing in these bodies of water is most enjoyable and invigorating. One-half pound of salt added to two quarts of water would make twelve and one-half per cent of salt in the water.

2. Salt water, when brought in contact with the skin, and reinforced by friction, irritates the nerve endings in the skin. Each irritated nerve ending sends a message to the brain, and practically says, “I am in danger; start up the machinery and send me more blood.” When millions of nerve endings all over the seventeen square feet of skin are sending in like messages, one can imagine the tremendous commotion produced within the entire body. So a salt bath or a salt-water bath, is a powerful energizer to the entire body, increasing its resistance to disease.

22.—Lameness in Back.

I am forty-five years old. Have a lameness in the small of the back, and have a desire to urinate often during the day, and two or three times during the night. What is the cause? H. B. M.

Ans.—There is probably some bladder irritation, which may be due to a stone in the bladder, an enlarged prostatic gland at the neck of the bladder, or to a mild catarrh of the bladder. You ought to see a physician, and have a thorough examination.

23.—Night Sweats.

1. What is the cause of profuse night sweats in a man otherwise in good health? 2. How may it be stopped? W. H.

Ans.—1. The most common cause of night sweats is some form of tuberculosis. It may also be due to exhaustion of the nervous system, and a lack of tone in the blood vessels. It occurs at times in diseases of the blood. The poisons from smoking cigarettes will cause it. Too much clothing, and living in overheated rooms, may produce it.

2. Take a cold-sponge friction bath each morning. This will restore tone to the skin. At bedtime have some one else give you a vinegar sponge. Use one part of vinegar to three parts of water, and have it as hot as can be endured. An ice bag to the base of the brain at the same time, and continued for twenty minutes, is good.

The writer knows of two cases where the patient, as soon as he began to sweat, got up and took a cold sponge bath with the most gratifying results within a week's time.

Sleep in a cold, well-ventilated room, and avoid too much bedding; but if the skin is moist, avoid chilling, by keeping well covered.

24.—Heart Throbbing—Gas in Stomach.

I suffer from throbbing of the heart and from gas in the stomach. Have been in poor health for a year. Please tell me what to do. F. H.

Ans.—The distress in the region of the heart is very probably due to pressure upon that organ by the distended stomach.

Avoid starchy and sweetened foods. Be careful about food combinations. Milk and fruit should not be eaten at the same meal. Eat slowly, and masticate the food thoroughly. Drink a glass of hot water one-half hour before meals. Do not drink at meals, but take sips of hot water after meals if there is much gas. Eat gluten biscuit, thoroughly toasted bread, eggs slightly cooked, a little cream, browned rice, a little baked potato once or twice a week. Peas and lentils should be put through a colander to remove the hulls.

For pain in the stomach after eating, apply fomentations for fifteen minutes, with cold compresses over the heart at the same time.

Be out in the open air as much as possible, and obtain sufficient rest and sleep.

25.—Falling of Rectum—Cold Feet.

1. I am troubled with a falling of the lower bowel, and need to replace it after each movement. 2. Please give treatment for the feet that are cold, numb, and heavy during cold weather. H. B. M.

Ans.—1. Wear an abdominal supporter. After each movement inject a teacupful of cold water. If the parts are painful, bathe them with ice water, or apply compresses wrung out of ice water. Avoid straining, and rest frequently by lying down. An operation may be necessary.

2. Bathe the feet once or twice a day in hot and cold water, alternating from one to the other, for fifteen or twenty minutes, and then rub them vigorously.

FATHERS, BE CAREFUL HOW YOU SPEAK.

By Amelia Nason Price

MRS. AMELIA NASON PRICE.

(Hatfield Point, N. B.)

Not long ago as I was teaching my little class in the Sabbath-school concerning the prodigal’s return, and illustrating the lesson by comparing the prodigal’s father to any true father, a little boy, with tears in his eyes and stammering voice, said: “My father is not like that; he told me not long ago that he wished I would go away and stay; for I was only a continual trouble to him.”

As I was acquainted with the father, and knew him to be a kind-hearted man, I wondered that such words could fall from his lips; but I remembered that in his haste he would sometimes speak unadvisedly, and these words had burned themselves into the very soul of that boy. With aching heart, I said: “Your father spoke hastily. He did not really mean what he said.” But I was ashamed to be compelled to tell the boy that a father could so far forget himself as to say what he did not mean. How we misrepresent our Heavenly Father, in whose stead we stand, when we give way to hasty, meaningless words! Do we wonder that such children talk continually of the time when they shall be old enough to leave home?

Fathers, mothers, think in time; for the time is speedily coming when we would give all we possess for the power to recall every hasty, harsh word; but alas! it will then be too late, and the deep wounds they have made only heaven can partially heal. The scar is still to be seen. Let us think, O let us think, lest by our thoughtless and hasty words we crush the tender opening buds of childhood, and drive our children unprepared out into a cold, unfeeling world, and at the same time rob ourselves of the child’s wealth of love and confiding trust. This little incident has taught me to be more careful of my words.

Prayer for Family Conversion

My earnest desire is to be prayed for that I may be more faithful, and that I may set a good example before my family. Also pray that my four sons and two daughters may be thoroughly converted. I have an unconverted son-in-law and a daughter-in-law; pray for them.

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER.

I ASK special prayer for my husband. He does not keep any day. Also pray that if it be God's will, He will restore me to health. I have two little children.

Continue reading: RESPONSIBILITY OF HAVING LIGHT