Review and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 18. (5/5/1910)

Review and Herald

May 5, 1910

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 5, 1910

The Withered Hand—Whole

By Amos R. Wells

Praise God! Praise God! Give me my tools again! O, let me grasp a hammer and a saw! Bring me a nail, and any piece of wood. Come, see me shut my hand and open it, And watch my nimble fingers twirl a ring. How good are solids!—oak, and stone, and iron, And rough and smooth, and straight and curved and round! Here, Hannah: for these long and weary years My hand has ached to smooth your shining hair And touch your dimpled cheek. Come, wife, and see: I am a man again, a man for work; A man for earning bread and clothes and home; A man, and not a useless hold-the-hand; A man, no more a bandaged cumberer. O, blessed Sabbath of all Sabbath days!

And did you hear them muttering at Him? And did you see them looking sour at me? They'll cast me from the synagogue, perchance, But let them: I've a hand, a hand, a hand! And ah, dear wife, to think He goes about So quietly, and does such things as this, Making poor half-men whole, in hand and foot, In eye and ear and witless maniac mind, To get such praise as that! Well, here's a hand, A strong, true hand that now is wholly His, To work or fight for Him, or what He will; For He has been the hand of God to me. — Amos R. Wells.

With the Workers

A Friend in Need

“Life and Health has been a friend to me. I do not like to part with friends. For years past I have been troubled with some form of indigestion to the extent that I was almost afraid to eat anything. As careful as I might be, there were times when it seemed as if nothing was adapted to me, and I remained thin in flesh, far below normal weight and strength, but I found a suggestion in Life and Health that has done wonders for me. This one suggestion has, in my case, proved to be of great value. Now, if I could only find some way to increase my pocketbook as well as my health, I would do everything in my power to bring this helpful magazine to others, who, in many respects, are as needy as I was.”

A Baptist Minister Says:

The following has just been received from a prominent Baptist minister to whom the editor of the Youth’s Instructor sent a sample copy of the Temperance number:—

“The Temperance number of the Instructor is the most attractive, pungent, and helpful periodical I ever saw. No denominational paper that comes to my table has ever equaled this issue. I wish it could be placed in the hands of a million young men of the country. The drink curse is the octopus which holds the majority of States by its tentacles. One by one we are chopping them off. I hope to see the day when this monster will be decapitated. Hurrah for the church of Seventh-day Adventists and its stand against liquor, tobacco, questionable amusements, and many of the wicked devices which are so popular today!”

Interests the Ministers

The following is a sample of a number of letters we have recently received: “I enclose 25 cents, for which send the Protestant Magazine for one year to Rev. —. I have just mailed the clergy of this city a sample copy of the Protestant Magazine, which seems to be accomplishing good.

“Rev. — called me by phone and expressed himself as doubly interested in the Protestant Magazine, and asked me to order it for him for one year. Also send back numbers to him, if possible, as he wished to have them on file.”

An Inspiration

Our school-teachers are learning to value Christian Education. The following is a sample of many of the expressions in its favor from teachers:—

“In regard to Christian Education I am glad to say that it is a most excellent magazine for teachers. It is filled from cover to cover with interesting and helpful things. It is an inspiration to me in my school work. I would not be without it.”

A Strong Indorsement

*Miss Lucy Page Gaston, superintendent and founder of the Anti-Cigarette League of the United States and Canada, and editor of the Boy Magazine, gives the following testimonial for “Temperance Torchlights:”—*

“I have a feeling that the little book is bound to do much good. It is scientific, but easily understood. Its variety of contents makes it very attractive, and a book that will be taken up time and again with interest and profit.”

Indorses “Torchlights”

Elder S. G. Huntington, president of the Utah Conference, writes about “Temperance Torchlights” as follows:—

“I have examined the book, ‘Temperance Torchlights,’ and am happy to say that I believe it is just the book for the times. It seems to make its appearance at just the right time, and is brimful of the most interesting and up-to-date facts on the temperance question. It ought to be in every household in the land, and read by both old and young. As a reference book it is invaluable to every minister and temperance worker.”

An Aid to Accuracy

When our Sabbath-schools were studying the lessons based upon the book of Nehemiah, one of our ministers chanced into a certain school, and found the members under the direction of the superintendent, earnestly considering the work of Nē-hē′-mi-ah. It was some little time before the visitor could determine the identity of Nē-hē′-mi-ah. Such an error in pronunciation on the part of the leader certainly did not tend to establish confidence in his ability as a Biblical instructor. Why should not all, old and young, demand of themselves a greater degree of accuracy in using the English language? The “Speaker’s Manual” is an invaluable aid in securing this very desirable end. Price, in cloth, 25 cents; in leather, 50 cents.

The Post-Card Habit

If you have the post-card habit, use it to good purpose, by sending to your friends the Religious Liberty Post-Cards, a series bearing timely and interesting cartoons on the Sunday law issue. Nothing offensive, but simply good, strong, well-directed arguments for true religious liberty. Room on the card for a good message besides. Ten for 10 cents.

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In the House of the Lord

By William Covert

WILLIAM COVERT

WHEN the Lord brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, he proposed that they build a sanctuary that he might dwell among them. Ex. 25:8. As soon as the sanctuary was built, the Lord, by the presence of his glory, took possession of it, and so he dwelt among them in their dedicated place of worship. The place was always sacred because of his presence, and in consideration of this sacredness, every one who connected with the place was required to preserve this sacredness. Special instruction was given about how worshipers were to appear before God. Every article of clothing worn by them was to be cleansed. Ex. 19:10, 11. And at another time one said the heart of the individual was to be sprinkled by the Spirit to cleanse the conscience, while the body was to be washed with pure water. Heb. 10:21, 22.

If these things were essential in the time of Moses and in the days of Paul, then they are essential to-day, for God does not change. What was required of men in the way of holiness in those times is required now, because men's needs now are the same as their needs were then.

Our place of worship is a sanctuary to us, and is holy unto the Lord. Anciently

God said to his people, “Ye shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord.” Lev. 19:30. But is not the same obedience and the same reverence required of us for the same reason that made these things necessary for Israel?

The most sacred place on earth to the Christian is the dedicated church house, where he meets with God in his Sabbath worship. There should be set rules as to the time and the manner of this worship, and all should be religiously observed in this house. Indeed, the Sabbath can not be sacredly observed apart from sacred order, and none who disregard the sacredness of God's house can keep the Sabbath holy. The worshiper should devoutly regard the time, the place, and the object of worship, for nothing pertaining to the holy idea can be treated carelessly without doing violence to the great principle of reverence for God. The appointed day for worship, the time of that day, the place where the worship is to be rendered, must all be recognized by God's people in order to worship him in the beauty of holiness.

The house of worship becomes a holy, consecrated spot to the one who from Sabbath to Sabbath meets God there to worship him. God's holy presence is there, and angels are also there, so that the place becomes to all what Jacob said the place was where he slept with a stone for a pillow: “How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” It was a sacred place because God met with him there, and also the angels of God were ascending and descending.

But we may say as much for the house of worship which we have dedicated to God as Jacob said of the Bethel where he erected the pillar and poured the anointing oil on the top of it.

Chicago, Ill.

Courage in the Lord

By Ellen G. White

MRS. E. G. WHITE

WELL may our hearts turn to our Redeemer with the most perfect trust, when we think of what he has done for us, even when we were sinners. Through faith we may rest in his love. “Him that cometh to me,” he says, “I will in no wise cast out.” It would be a terrible thing to stand before God clothed in sinful garments, with his eye reading every secret of our lives. But, through the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice we may stand before God pure and spotless, our sins atoned for and pardoned. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The redeemed sinner, clothed in the robes of Christ’s righteousness, may stand in the presence of a sin-hating God, made perfect by the merits of the Saviour. “As many as received him,” the promise is, “to them gave he power to become the sons of God.”

Christ has given us no assurance that to attain to perfection of character is an easy matter. It is a conflict, a battle and a march, day by day. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven. In order to share with Christ in his glory we must share in his suffering. “It became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” “Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” He has overcome for us. Shall we, then, be timid and cowardly because of the trials that we meet as we advance? Shall we not meet them without repining and complaining?

When we have a deeper appreciation of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, we shall praise him, instead of complaining. We shall talk of the loving watch-care of the Lord, of the tender compassion of the Good Shepherd. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like a clear, flowing stream, will come from God’s truly believing ones. They will say, “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

Why not awake the voice of spiritual song in the days of our pilgrimage? Why not return to our life of fervor? We need to study God’s Word, to meditate and pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the notes of thanksgiving sung by the heavenly choir around the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assembly of the saints. Little disappointments and difficulties will be lost sight of.

The Lord is our helper. He will guide us in all matters, if we will trust him. One thing is certain, we must have faith in God,—faith that he will arrange matters in a way that will enable us to work successfully. No one ever trusted God in vain. He never disappoints those who put their dependence on him. If we would only do the work that the Lord would have us do, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, our hearts would become sacred harps, every chord of which would send forth praise and thanksgiving to the One sent by God to take away the sin of the world.

“Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever.” They praised God for the victory, and four days thereafter the army returned to Jerusalem, laden with the spoils of their enemies, singing praise for the victory won.

Do you not think that if more of this were done now, our hope and courage and faith would be revived? Would not the hands of the soldiers who are standing in defense of the truth be strengthened? If there were much more praising the Lord, and far less doleful recitation of discouragement, many more victories would be gained.

God is the eternal, uncreated Fountain of all good. All who trust in him will find him to be this. To those who serve him, looking to him as their Heavenly Father, he gives the assurance that he will fulfil his promises. His joy will be in their hearts, and their joy will be full.

It is our privilege to open our hearts, and let the sunshine of Christ’s presence in. My brother, my sister, face the light. Come into actual, personal contact with Christ, that you may exert an influence that is uplifting and reviving. Let your faith be strong and pure and steadfast. Let gratitude to God fill your hearts. When you rise in the morning, kneel at your bedside, and ask God to give you strength to fulfil the duties of the day, and to meet its temptations. Ask him to help you to bring into your work Christ’s sweetness of character. Ask him to help you to speak words that will inspire those around you with hope and courage, and draw you nearer to the Saviour.

Church Federation in Korea

By H. A. Oberg

H. A. OBERG

The Christian church is in a peculiar condition here in Korea, and I doubt if a parallel could be found anywhere at present. This, the land of great missionary possibilities, is startling the Christian world.

The year 1909 saw the consummation of the long-looked-for event,—the union of the churches under the name, “The United Church of Jesus.” The six strongest church organizations have consolidated into this union, which controls about two hundred missionaries, and has a following of over two hundred thousand native Christians. In bringing about this union several grave questions came up, the greatest of which was the division of territory. In the dividing of the territory it was understood among the missionaries that the converts went with the territory. To illustrate: Here is a Methodist mission, which has done good work for the past ten years, and has a following of five hundred. The committee, after much deliberation, decides that the territory of this mission must go to the Presbyterians, and the five hundred Methodists are notified that from henceforth they must be Presbyterians.

From the Korean Mission Field I quote: “Here is something new under the sun. Here are thousands of Methodists who are told they must become Presbyterians, and an equal number of Presbyterians are in the same way informed they must henceforth forsake the church of their early affiliations, and become Methodists. They have not been consulted in the matter, and their vote was never taken. It is true that after all was settled, they were visited by their missionary, who explained matters, and tried to show how all was being done for the good of the whole church. They were then visited by the new shepherd and the old one, and they were, so to speak, handed over.”

Dr. Noble says that “the final result anticipates the transfer of about ten thousand Koreans.”

In commenting on the good-natured manner in which the Koreans take to the new régime the Korean Mission Field says, “It is true they don’t care a rap about our denominational differences.” Why don’t they care?—Simply because they have not been taught the differences.

The Million Movement

Last October a campaign was set on foot to win a million souls during the next year. Great returns are already being received. The Christian Koreans are enthused, and are proving very good missionaries. From reports 36,696 days of evangelistic work have been pledged and all have not been heard from. The campaign is being pushed; all are in earnest. This is their song, and really their watchword:—

“A million souls for Jesus! Lord, grant our heart’s desire. A million souls for Jesus! O, spread the gospel fire!”

The British and Foreign Society report

417,884 Bibles and other portions of the Scriptures sold during 1909. Two hundred fifty thousand copies of Mark have been ordered in one month. They have more than a million tracts on hand and have ordered another million.

A National Ideal for Korea

Rev. H. B. Hulbert says: “There is only one line along which Korea is prepared by temperament and by opportunity to distinguish herself; one field of activity in which she can make a reputation and by which she can command the esteem and elicit the applause of the enlightened portions of the race. It is by becoming a genuinely Christian nation.”

When Korea becomes a Christian nation, we shall have “Christian laws,” etc. The crisis may come here sooner than in some other lands. O, that we had a good publishing plant now so that we could scatter like the “leaves of autumn” pages filled with the third angel’s message!

There are many heathen in Korea still. Almost any night one can hear the drums beating in the spirit temples. One hundred feet from our fence is a temple, and in three minutes’ walk I can visit two spirit trees; I passed seven such trees during a walk yesterday. Spirit stones are also in evidence. But when these people accept our truth, they catch the spirit of the message, and we are beginning to see results.

Seoul, Korea.

Glorifying God; Finishing the Work

By Albert Carey

ALBERT CAREY

“I HAVE glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” Bowed beneath the moonlight shadows of the Kedron valley, in this last prayer uttered before his disciples, the Saviour thus proclaimed the accomplishment of his ministry on earth for men. Judea, Galilee, Samaria no longer would see the form of God’s incarnate Son treading their highways, ministering in their streets, or teaching in their houses of prayer. Not again would the Galilean sea ring with the melody of the Saviour’s pleading voice, nor her mountainsides be graced by his classes in holy living.

For the last time his touch had healed, his voice had pleaded, and now the work was “finished.” Over the Kedron lay Gethsemane, then the judgment and the cruel cross; but still beyond, the resurrection and the Father’s side.

Christ glorified the Father by finishing the work he had given him to do. The very first thought in the great message entrusted to this people is, “Fear God, and give glory to him.” Said Christ in that same prayer, as he spoke of his people, “The glory which thou gavest me I have given them.” Then he told the ultimate result that would be accomplished by this gift: “That the world may know that thou hast sent me.”

The glory which Christ gave his people was to entrust them with a work similar to that which he had done, and to qualify them by heavenly endowment for the same. But to his people in this generation has he given the “finishing” of that work, and this pre-eminently will glorify him. Thus the very words of the message itself, “Give glory to him,” cry to us to finish the work.

When that is all done, there will still be before us “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” the judgment hall of men, the bitter trials of the “time of trouble;” but O, what then? The Deliverer will come with the clouds of glory, and say to those who have been faithful, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Hickory, N. C.

Satisfied

I CAN not say, Beneath the presence of life's cares today, “I joy in these;” But I can say That I would rather walk the rugged way If him it please.

I can not feel That all is well when darkening clouds conceal The shining sun; But then I know God lives and loves—can say, since it is so, “Thy will be done.”

I do not see Why God should e'er permit some things to be, When he is love; But I can see, Though often dimmed through mystery, His hand above.

I do not look Upon the present or in nature's book, To read my fate; But I do look For promised blessings in God's Holy Book, And I can wait.

I may not try To keep the hot tears back, but hush the sigh, “It might have been;” And try to still All rising murmurs, and to God's sweet will Respond, “Amen!”

I can not speak In happy tones—the tear-drops on my cheek Show I am sad; But I can speak Of grace to suffer with submission meek Until made glad.

— New York Tribune.

The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus

By A. E. Hassell

A. E. HASSELL

WHAT a depth of meaning in these two things. Commandments of God! They must be perfect as the Author is perfect; and so they are. Look at them as you will, from every side and standpoint; no flaw can be found in them. Can there be anything more glorious, higher, deeper, or anything broader? Is there anything nobler, purer, or more exalted? Is there anything or any relationship of anything in the whole unfathomable and unsearchable universe of God that these glorious commandments do not comprehend, relate to, or apply to, or anything that they do not touch? They are so broad that, throughout eternal ages, there never will be brought into existence anything outside of their sphere or scope. Says the psalmist, “I have seen an end of all perfection; but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” Ps. 119:96.

Do we have reason to be ashamed to stand upon this exalted platform? Let those who are wise in their own conceit call us narrow-minded; what does that matter? They do not know what they are saying. Let them heap contempt and reproach upon that perfect law of liberty and its Author, by declaring it abolished and by trampling it under their feet and by rebelling against it and putting their own traditions and usages in its place and by perverting it; we will love it the more, yea, above gold and fine gold. It is sweeter than honey and the honeycomb to the true child of God.

Never have I appreciated that blessed law of God more than at present. I do not want it abolished, but do long exceedingly for more and more of its spirit in my life. Blessed it is to be assured that, if faithful a little longer, we shall enjoy it in its fulness and perfection. From the depth of my heart I cry out, “O that my ways were established to observe thy statutes! Then shall I not be put to shame, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.” Ps. 119: 5, 6. But, “cursed are they that do wander from thy commandments.” Verse 21, margin, R. V. I do not wish to be among that class.

The Faith of Jesus

What a depth of meaning to the faith of Jesus! Keeping it! are we? His faith was not kept like a precious and costly jewel—costly though it is—hid away in a case to be taken out and worn occasionally perhaps, and looked at for his own pleasure and again hidden away; but it was a faith that was living and active, daily laying hold upon the Almighty Father's arm, and always bringing down the response from the throne of God according to the need of the hour in such a measure that the blind was made to see, the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, the lame leaped for joy, the leprous were cleansed, those possessed of devils were made free and of sane and sound mind, the elements obeyed his voice, and death itself had to give up its prey, its prisoners. To that living, active faith nothing was impossible.

We are to keep that faith as Jesus himself kept it—if words have any meaning—otherwise it is not his faith. We are not told to have faith about Jesus or in Jesus simply; but to “keep . . . the faith of Jesus.” In other words, we are to have that same faith of which he is the Author and Finisher as he had it, and use it as he used it, and do as he did, with all that it means, according to the will of God. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12. “All things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23.

As we keep the commandments of God, so are we to keep the faith of Jesus; and none will question that to keep the commandments of God is to do them. The same verb “keep” is applied to the faith of Jesus also; therefore it can be expressed thus, Here are they that do the commandments of God and do the faith of Jesus. If the faith our Saviour had in God, his faith, is laid hold upon by us, it will certainly bring all power in heaven and earth to our assistance in serving God in this message. Then we shall soon see the glory of the Almighty manifested to cut his work short in righteousness through the poor and humble instruments who are rich in faith and willing to be used by God as he wills, without reserve on their part. But those whom God calls upon now to help with their means in sending the light to those perishing in darkness, and who selfishly hold back their entrusted means and talents, will be left to perish with their possessions and their money. “But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.” 1 John 3:17, 18. To my mind it begins to get clearer that God will soon take his work more fully into his own hands and show men that he is not dependent upon them or their money, or upon any money in fact, or upon any one who seeks his own plans and conveniences, but he will use the humble and the willing ones to accomplish his mighty work in the earth.

O, may God, the Creator of the heavens and earth, whom we profess to serve, obey, and love, help us to realize what it really means to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus! May he be permitted to open our eyes and quicken our understanding, that we may see the beautiful heights we are to attain and the immeasurable richness of the glorious opportunities and privileges now set before us. This world then with all its deceptive charms, exaltations, and attainments in every respect will loose its grasp on us, and we shall gladly do the will of God at whatever cost, even if we have to give up that which our hearts have most cherished. May none of us fail, but all of us hasten to the help of the Lord against the mighty. The victory will be so unspeakably glorious that none of us can afford to lose the privilege and opportunity now given. May none ask to be excused!

Seattle, Wash.

Reciprocity Is a Law of Life

“RECIPROCITY is a law of life. We can not expect much happiness or strength from our fellow men unless we give something in return.”

Grow Lovely by Loving

By Rev. G. B. F. Hallock, D. D.

A CHRISTIAN grows lovely by just loving — by going on in love to Christ. It has been fabled from old times that the graceful swan changed from a most ugly bird into its present beauty merely because of its constancy to its mate. But, O, how Christian fact is sure to outrun classic fables! The soul grows wondrously lovely just by loving, by pouring out its affection, and all the more so when the object of its affection is the Lord Jesus Christ, the “One altogether lovely.” We “behold his face,” Jesus’ face, “as in a glass,” and “are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” But the result is permanent. The soul gets more and more set in the way of holiness, in the beauty which holiness brings. “Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”—Rev. G. B. F. Hallock, D. D.

Fomentations and Their Use

By A. B. Olsen

A. B. OLSEN, M. D.

ONE of the most simple means of applying moist heat to the body is the fomentation. The ease with which it can be prepared and administered makes it a universal remedy, and it may be also accurately described as a panacea for pain. The fomentation consists merely of a cloth, preferably woolen, wrung out of hot water.

The Fomentation Cloth

A good way to prepare fomentation cloths is to take a large woolen blanket and quarter it; this makes four excellent fomentation cloths, and every home ought to be provided with such a set. Or one can buy thick flannel about a yard and a half wide, and six yards would be sufficient for four cloths. The square size is the most useful.

After fomentation cloths have been used, they ought to be rinsed out in tepid water, using sufficient soap to cleanse them thoroughly. After drying they are ready for use at some future time.

Preparing the Fomentations

Besides the cloths it is necessary to have a pail of very hot or boiling water.

The cloth is folded according to the size suitable for the application. Then both ends of the cloth are twisted in opposite directions. The cloth should be twisted as tightly as possible, after which it is dipped into the pail of hot water, and by crossing the hands the twist is loosened sufficiently to admit of the cloth's being thoroughly soaked with the water. Care is taken to moisten the middle half or two thirds of the fomentation, the ends being kept quite dry. The cloth is twisted still more if possible, and the right hand is drawn up, the left hand resting upon the edge of the pail, so that the water which is wrung out will fall into the pail, and not onto the floor. By a little practise sufficient skill is acquired to enable one to wring out a fomentation cloth without as much as wetting the hands, to say nothing about burning them, or wetting the floor. The cloth is now ready for application.

Preparation of the Patient

Before wringing out the cloth it is necessary to get the patient in readiness for the treatment. As a rule, it is best to have the patient lying down in bed or on a couch; the part that is to be treated should be laid bare, and if it is the chest, abdomen, or back, it is best to have the patient entirely undressed and lying between warm blankets. The room should be well ventilated with plenty of fresh air, but the patient should not be exposed to drafts. Only that part of the body that is to be treated should be exposed, and that only for a moment, while applying the hot cloth. It is a good precaution to have a cold compress applied to the head, but it is not always necessary. If the feet are cold, put in a hot brick or a hot-water bottle.

Applying the Fomentation Cloth

When all is in readiness, a dry fomentation cloth is placed over the part that is to be treated, say the chest, and then the hot cloth, which has been sufficiently wrung to make it almost dry, is placed over the single layer of dry fomentation cloth which covers the patient; the ends are turned back over the middle or moist part of the fomentation cloth, and then the free borders of the dry cloth are folded over the fomentation. This is done for the purpose of retaining the heat. The fomentation cloth may be left on from four to six minutes, after which it is necessary to wring out another cloth from the hot water, and substitute it for the first one. The substitution should be made promptly, so that the treatment will be practically continuous. Two, three, or four fomentations, to be left on about five minutes each, should be utilized, or even a larger number, but the usual number is three, which will require about fifteen minutes.

The After-Treatment

Before removing the last fomentation, get ready a basin of cold water, with a sponge or a piece of Turkish toweling which can be used as a wash-cloth, and have a dry towel in readiness. On removing the fomentation, bathe the surface quickly with the cold water, taking the necessary precaution to avoid getting the water over other parts of the body or on the bedding; then spread over the dry towel, and press the towel on the skin, without friction, so as to dry without injuring the tender skin. The application of the cold water is both refreshing and necessary, for it helps to close the pores of the skin, and thus prevents taking cold. The patient is then covered and left to rest for a while, or, if it is in the evening, to go to sleep.

Temperature of the Water

The fomentation cloth that is merely very warm is of little account. To be effectual it must be decidedly hot. If the precaution mentioned above is taken, and if the fomentation is wrung thoroughly, so that it is almost dry, there will be no danger of burning, even if it is wrung out of water that is boiling. It is the moist, soggy fomentation cloth that is dangerous and most liable to cause a blister or a burn. As the skin is most sensitive at first, it is better that the first fomentation cloth applied should not be quite so hot as the succeeding ones. After the treatment there should be a distinct scarlet glow over the area which has been fomented.

When to Use the Fomentation

It would be impossible in a brief article like this to indicate all the uses to which the fomentation may be put, but we will attempt to mention a few of the most common cases when its use would be advantageous. Generally speaking, the various forms of neuralgia and inflammation are greatly benefited by the fomentation cloth. The same is true of most rheumatic and gouty aches and pains. Stomach-ache and various pains in the abdomen that are associated with indigestion are almost invariably relieved by fomenting. Many injuries and almost all bruises, sprains, etc., are often best treated with the fomentation cloth.

Sore Throat and Laryngitis

The fomentation cloth makes an excellent treatment for the common sore throat that is so often associated with colds in the head, as well as for laryngitis. The cloth is wrung out of hot water as previously described, and wrapped around the throat, and after four or five minutes is replaced by a second, which is followed by a third. After bathing the part with cold water, it is a good thing to apply a cold compress, which is done as follows: Take a suitable linen towel, and fold it so that it is about two or three inches wide, and after wringing it thoroughly out of cold water, wrap it snugly round the neck, fastening it with safety-pins; then apply

two or three layers of flannel, so that the flannel overlaps the moist cloth above and below, to prevent taking cold. The flannel is also carefully fastened with safety-pins. This cold compress may be worn during the night. On removing it in the morning, bathe the neck with cold water, and then dry well.

Toothache and Earache

The intense pain of both earache and toothache can often be ameliorated by the application of a large fomentation cloth to the affected side of the head. In giving this treatment it is necessary to have the patient lying down, and to see that the fomentation cloth is hot. If a dry layer is introduced between the skin and the fomentation cloth, there will be little or no fear of burning. After such a treatment great care must be taken to prevent exposure to the cold or draft, which might aggravate the pain.

Bronchitis and Pleurisy

Simple bronchitis or pleurisy, accompanied by much pain, is greatly relieved by the use of large, broad fomentations applied to the chest, but such treatments should only be given on the advice and with the consent of the attending physician. Great care must be taken in giving the treatments not to chill the patient, and thus aggravate the disease.

Indigestion and Torpid Liver

Various digestive disorders that are due to a dilated stomach or torpid liver can be relieved by applying the fomentation cloth to the abdomen. In treating the stomach, the fomentations should be carried well over the left side of the abdomen, and reach as high as the nipple. The fomentation to the liver should be laid across the abdomen, just reaching to the nipple line, and should extend to the spine. To secure this, it is well to have the patient lying on his left side. Follow the directions given above when applying the fomentation cloths.

Backache

Many suffer more or less from backache, usually in the small of the back, sometimes at the base of the spine, and sometimes elsewhere. This aggravating, dull pain is frequently relieved by the use of a suitable fomentation. Narrow fomentations extending the whole length of the spine, from the neck to the coccyx, are most serviceable; at other times a broad fomentation cloth laid transversely across the hips, and extending a few inches above the waist line, gives greatest relief.

Constipation and Pelvic Inflammation

The common ailment, constipation, is almost always relieved more or less by the use of fomentations daily for a fortnight, or even longer. Large fomentations covering practically the whole of the abdomen and pelvic cavity are most efficacious in treating constipation.

To relieve pelvic inflammation, fomentations should be applied immediately below the navel, reaching well over the pelvic bones. To give even a greater effect, the fomentations may be wrapped round the hips from both sides.

Sprains and Other Injuries

In treating a sprain of the ankles, the fomentation cloth should be sufficiently large to cover the whole foot, and it should be wrapped around the ankle snugly. The patient may be lying down on the couch, or sitting in a chair with the limb resting on another chair. A wrench or twist of the knee may cause great pain, which can be quickly relieved by a hot cloth. Wrap the fomentation around the knee; do not simply place it in front of the knee. Muscular strain sometimes causes pain or annoyance; apply fomentations to the affected part, repeating them every day until the pain has disappeared.

The finger may be crushed, or the hand injured to a greater or less extent. Place the hand in a basin of hot water, or, if preferred, wrap it in a hot fomentation cloth. The relief found is almost instantaneous, and the hot treatment acts most beneficially in producing a cure. If the raw surface is exposed, it ought to be covered with a sterilized towel which has been soaked in some mild disinfectant, such as boric acid solution. It must be borne in mind that the raw surface will not stand so much heat as the unbroken skin.

Caterham, England.

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