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Review and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 20.

The Life Beautiful
Earlier text: In the Limelight

God's Minutemen

By C. M. SNOW

C. M. SNOW
INTO our little day of life there flow, Like rivulets of silver, sunshine-kissed, Some lives so full of hope, so full of truth, So near to God and freighted with his love, That when the sad day comes when we must part, Some portion of our life seems plucked away, Some pleasant plant uprooted from the spot Where spade of love had turned the willing soil To give it place. We feel a biting loss, An emptiness we can not hope to fill Save with a fuller measure of the love That flows unfettered from the heart of God.
Such lives are never fruitless; round them cling The tendrils of ten thousand other lives God-lifted upward toward the heights of day. Such lives are ladders on whose sturdy rungs The souls of men mount upward to their God. They are God's instruments, and through their use The outposts of his cause move ever on Toward final victory over Satan's hosts. We can not hope to hold them when we know The wide world needs them and their ministries. The sin-parched soil of every continent Cries out for service such as they can give.
And so we bid them go, and our God-speed Shall ever with them be, and fervent prayer That God may use them there to point the way For souls that hunger for the Canaan land. May God go with them to that needy field, His guiding hand be over them for good, And precious souls their joy of service be, When God shall bring them to the home beyond.

Canary Island

By B. B. ALDRICH

B. B. ALDRICH
AFTER a delightful voyage from New York to England, a pleasant week in London, and a rather rough though safe voyage from Liverpool to the Canaries, on the morning of Dec. 10, 1911, our boat glided into the picturesque and quaint harbor of Las Palmas, on the island of Gran Canaria, in the Canary group. The Canaries consist of seven large islands, belonging to Spain, lying between the twenty-sixth and twenty-ninth parallels of north latitude, the island farthest east being about seventy miles from the African coast. They are spread over a large area, about 300 miles by 100 miles, and contain a land surface of about 3,500 square miles, with a population of about 350,000, largely found in cities and villages. The islands are of volcanic origin, and are rugged and mountainous, some peaks on Gran Canaria rising to an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea-level, while in Teneriffe some are much higher, the celebrated cone Pico de Teyde rising 12,192 feet above sea-level, and covered for a large part of the year with snow and ice. Almost any climate desired is to be found on the island of Teneriffe, and nearly all the products of the temperate zone, as well as some of the tropics.
We began to look around for a healthful location for workers from the disease-stricken West Coast of Africa, where they may come and rest and get strong and well again. After looking over the more elevated districts of Gran Canaria and making a trip to Teneriffe, about fifty miles west, we finally chose the latter island as a location for the mission home, and decided to go there as soon as possible. Accordingly, on Jan. 2, 1912, we sailed for Santa Cruz de Teneriffe, and the next day made our choice of some houses that we had seen in the ancient city of La Laguna, about 3,000 feet above sea-level and about five and one-half miles from port.
An electric tramway connects La Laguna with the seaport Santa Cruz, and the trip, which requires about forty-five minutes, is exceedingly picturesque. As one winds round up the mountainside, the view of the capital city of the Canaries and its beautiful harbor and the razor-ridged mountains to the north of Santa Cruz, is a sight long to be remembered for its beauty. La Laguna was, until 1821, the capital of the province. In that year the seat of government was removed to the seaport, where reside the consuls of different nations and the governor and officials.
The province is divided into two districts. Santa Cruz is capital of the whole province, and also of the western district; Las Palmas of the eastern district. La Laguna is the center for education, having the large school Instituto de Canarias and several others. It is the center religiously as well, being the headquarters of the bishop of the province, who has more influence with the people than has any other man in the province. There are several large churches, a great cathedral, and a school for priests here in La Laguna. Many retired families reside here, and during the warm season most of the wealthier class from Santa Cruz, and the city becomes a great center of social life and activity. It is in the most productive and fertile section of the islands, in a basin among the mountains where one gets the fresh sea-breezes from the east as well as the winds from the west over the lower section of Teneriffe. The climate is quite bracing, especially nights and mornings. From any of the mountains near by one gets a most beautiful view of the coast, as well as of La Laguna, the surrounding green wheat-fields making a beautiful contrast with the white houses and earth-colored walls of the city, and with the white peak of Teyde, about twenty-five miles distant. In this beautiful place God has given us a location for a home for workers.
We have been here about three months. Brother and Sister T. M. French, on their way back to Sierra Leone, West Africa, made us a good visit; and shortly after they left, we were pleased to greet Brother and Sister W. H. Lewis, also from Sierra Leone, who came here to seek rest and recuperation. They have been with us for about four weeks, and the climate seems to agree with them, as they are improving in health.
From the appropriation made to this field, we shall soon have our little home quite well equipped with simple appliances for helping our missionaries coming from the West Coast. God has given us the use of a new house with seven living-rooms, well-lighted and ventilated, as a temporary home; and in many ways we recognize his leading hand in our coming here.
Already we have circulated a goodly number of the Spanish tract “El Secreto de la Salud” among the people of La Laguna, and while doing so, we have had some interesting experiences. One day last week I was privileged to meet a priest, who examined the little tract to see if it contained Bible references, and failing to find any, purchased the tract. I had a good talk with him, in which the Spirit of God helped me, and I trust made a good impression upon him. We have been able to gain entrance to some well-to-do Spanish homes. I have had interesting talks with some influential people of La Laguna, in which God has given me opportunity to state our faith and the reasons for it. Our landlord has been over to study the Bible with us. Last Friday evening he came, and I had an interesting talk with him, in which he said he knew the adoration of images to be nothing but idolatry and a violation of the second commandment. He also said that he could not believe in Catholicism, although baptized into the church, and expressed a doubt about the priests being just in keeping the Bible from the people. We pray that God may influence him and others to take their stand with the remnant people. This past week has been holy week, and there have been beautiful processions of images through the streets, intended to inspire worship and adoration in the minds of the people. The power of the enemy is great here in the islands, but the power of our God is greater, for the Word says, “He taketh up the isles as a very little thing.”
Pray for us, that the Spirit of God may go before us, and may also water the seed sown, that fruit may be seen from the work here in Teneriffe.
La Laguna, Teneriffe.

The Work in Australasia

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON
WE are glad to present to the REVIEW readers something of the progress of the cause throughout the Australasian field. God has wrought for his people in the establishment of the work. Some who read these words will remember the early days in Australasia, and how the work started in obscurity. But it has grown. Those early missions and schools have become prosperous conferences and important institutions. Continent boundaries do not circumscribe the third angel’s message. It leaps beyond such boundaries, and behold, it springs up in islands far away! This divine plant thrives in every clime.
Over a quarter of a century has passed into history since our first laborers began work in this country. During that time, from year to year, an increasing number of loyal believers has joined the ranks of God’s remnant people, and scores have given themselves to the work of preaching the message. Although for a time Australasia was largely dependent upon America for men and means with which to carry forward the work, this is no longer the case. The care bestowed upon it in earlier days has been transferred to other dependent fields. Institutions for the training of workers in the Australasian field are now largely supplying the demand for workers. This is a source of gratitude, especially when we know that laborers so trained are carrying heavy responsibilities in both the home and the foreign field.

Our Educational Institutions

Our training college has the largest enrolment in its history. Every department is full. We trust that many of these students will come forth successful laborers. Many of our Avondale students are now scattered over the field, doing successful work in all departments of the cause.
The Darling Range School, in West Australia, has had another successful year, with a goodly number of students, who have taken a deep interest in the work; and the financial gain of the school for the year has been excellent. From this school, and from the Pukekura Training-school in New Zealand, students have passed on to our college for further training. Both these schools have done good work.
Our nurses’ training-school at Wahroonga, New South Wales, which has developed a number of workers for the cause, both for the home and for the foreign field, is now full, and we look forward with interest to still others’ answering the calls from many lands.
The Fiji Training-school, at Buresala, is full of students, and a good spirit prevails. God has blessed this school. Fiji has twelve or more trained native laborers from it, preaching the truth in various islands; and this month a young Fijian, Penisemani Tavodi, and his wife start for heathen New Guinea as missionaries.
The Warburton Institute for Evangelistic Canvassers is the infant among our training institutions; but already workers speak of the good they have gained in this school. A short course for workers in this very important branch of God’s cause is given at a moderate cost. This is a new departure in our educational work.

Sanitariums

God has blessed the health work during the year. The Sydney Sanitarium has had a better patronage than for years. Dr. T. A. Sherwin, recently graduated from the Sydney University, has taken up work in connection with this sanitarium. Good reports reach us also from the Adelaide and Christchurch Sanitariums. During the past year a sanitarium building has been erected at Warburton, and the outlook for this new institution is encouraging. The Avondale Health Retreat has now reopened. Dr. Margherita M. Freeman is in charge. We are glad to see this institution started again on its God-designed mission.

Cafe Work

In no other department has greater success been manifest. Here the truth is brought before thousands of men and women. Our workers in this branch of the cause have labored untiringly to make their work a success. A large band of young people in different states are training in this important work.

Our Publishing Houses

In 1874 the Lord spoke through his servant, saying that in this country presses would be at work printing the third angel’s message. Two printing offices in this country are a fulfilment of that statement. Our leading institution at Warburton has been busy, and God’s blessing attends its work. Avondale Press is busier than ever publishing island literature. Some new native books have just been completed, and others are on the press.

Forward Steps in the Island Fields

Pastor C. H. Parker and his wife, who have spent long years in efficient service in the island fields, have now left our shores, to enter upon mission work in a new and untried field, the New Hebrides. Brother and Sister H. E. Carr, trained nurses, accompanied Brother and Sister Parker to this new and difficult field.
Soon Brother and Sister E. J. Giblett will sail for Niue, or Savage Island. Here, again, we open up a new work. This island is not on the thoroughfares of trade or travel, but will be, next to Pitcairn, our most isolated island mission.
Recently Brother and Sister Reginald K. Piper sailed from New Zealand, to take up work on Rarotonga, thus enabling Brother Sterling to engage in work in some of the new islands of the Cook group.
Pastor George Stewart and his wife have lately settled in Nukualofa, Tonga, to engage in missionary effort in that important group. Brother W. W. Palmer is located there also, engaged in self-supporting work. Brother and Sister Thorpe, who were advised by physicians to retire from Java on account of the malaria, are at this writing sailing for Tonga, where they will again take up mission work. There they will have a climate free from malaria, and we trust God will be pleased to give them many souls.
Lord Howe Island has recently been annexed to our mission territory. Brother A. H. Ferris, our missionary on Norfolk Island, reports an interest on Lord Howe Island, and was directed from our office to make an effort for the people of that lone isle. We trust it may be successful.
The Barambah Mission for the aborigines of Australia is another enterprise. Brother P. B. Rudge and wife have entered upon this long-neglected work. The Barambah Mission is located in Queensland. Brother Rudge writes as follows:—
“Our work at the mission has increased a great deal during the last three weeks or so, and we have had more opportunity of meeting the people. A regular Bible study, which we were holding with one woman at first, has developed in numbers till at our last sitting we had twelve. This, with a few other things, has helped to encourage us in our work.”
Brother and Sister J. A. Chaney sailed from Australia on January 3 for New Zealand, to take up work among the Maoris. Brother G. Worgsworth, of New Zealand, joined them. The Maori Mission will now be considered a part of our regular mission field.
We are glad that new workers have been able to go to needy fields, and that new missions can be entered; but pray, brethren and sisters, that the Lord of the harvest may raise up many more laborers to enter the many fields yet unentered. All through the great Polynesian field there are groups, and many lone isles also, where the torchlight of truth must be carried.

New Mission Home for India

By J. L. SHAW

J. L. SHAW
I AM sending a photograph of a property which we have just purchased at Lucknow for the India Union Mission offices and the Watchman Press. We have been granted $10,000 from the $300,000 Fund with which to purchase a property and fit up these offices, including the Watchman Press. The building as it stands, with about one acre of land, has cost us $7,000. We are putting on an addition to provide for our publishing work (41 by 72 feet), which will cost us $2,000 more. We shall then have ground space equaling 92 by 72 feet.
It will be a great advantage to have this place of our own. We have been doing our publishing work ever since it began in India in small quarters unsuitable for our purpose. Our work has been hindered by the inconvenience of the small rooms, with low ceilings, which we now occupy. This situation has been trying upon the workers.
But God has spared them, and has provided a substantial building with high ceilings to protect us against the intense heat of Lucknow, and with money to make necessary additions. We feel like rendering unto God our heartfelt thanks for what he has given. And we surely appreciate the liberality of our dear people in America who have been doing their part in raising the $300,000 Fund. This money means more to our work in foreign fields than our people at home can fully realize. It is giving permanency to our work in mission fields by building homes for our missionaries where they can live and labor for souls, furnishing facilities with which to carry on schools, providing printing plants to publish the message, and dispensaries for the treatment of the sick.
We are positive God’s hand is in the raising of the $300,000 Fund. It is giving hope and courage to many care-worn missionaries, who, in unsuitable homes and in unfavorable climates, with poor and meager facilities, have been laboring earnestly to advance the message. We still need machinery, which will call for three or four times as much money as we have in hand, but God knows all about that, and he will surely provide for our needs. We asked for only $10,000, and the Mission Board gave us all we asked for, but we thought of other parts of this field and of other fields, and tried to make our request as small as possible.
Our building has a commanding appearance, is situated on one of the best roads in Lucknow, and will reflect credit to our mission. It is in a healthful location, and is not far from post and telegraph offices and the railway station.
INDIA UNION MISSION OFFICE AND WATCHMAN PRESS
INDIA UNION MISSION OFFICE AND WATCHMAN PRESS
It is a great relief to me to get the negotiations for this property finished. There is endless red tape in India, and everything moves slowly. I am having the deed registered to-day. When this is done, we expect to return to Mussoorie after four and one-half months itinerating on the plains of India. I am glad to say God has given us good health this winter. We have been able to accomplish even more than we had expected, and for this we are thankful.

Keizan, Korea

By R. C. WANGERIN

R. C. WANGERIN
We have just concluded a five weeks’ series of meetings. This has been our second special effort for Keizan. Dr. Riley Russell was with us during the first, and his help was greatly appreciated. We have not closed these meetings, however, to be at ease; we feel that the hardest work has but begun. Greater responsibilities rest upon us. For five weeks nightly the principal points of our faith were proclaimed publicly, together with classes for Bible study for men and women, and a children’s meeting every day. Many persons came in contact with this message who had not known of it before. Now there are opportunities for personal work. Decisions are to be made, victories gained, souls snatched, as it were, from the cruel grasp of Satan. Will he let them go? Will they come off conquerors through the name of Jesus? The battle with self is the greatest that was ever fought.
We hope and pray that some of these benighted souls will become enlightened, that the preaching may not prove merely a warning message, but that the good seed will fall upon some fertile ground watered by the Spirit of God, and bear fruit unto life eternal.
Our Korean workers have labored hard. They, too, wish to see the message go, and the work completed. Some will now, after this effort, carry literature and the good tidings to the inhabitants of villages farther off, who have as yet not heard. Thus may it be— “Tell it again! tell it again! Salvation’s story repeat o’er and o’er, Till none can say of the children of men, ‘Nobody ever has told me before.’”
It will not be long until we shall all meet again in our annual meetings for Korea. We shall then again meet with Elders I. H. Evans and F. H. De Vinney, and with all our home field fellow workers. We look forward with much interest to the gathering, after having been separated so long in our respective fields, away from all foreigners and those of like precious faith.

God’s Ever-Present Help

“God does not leave a man; he stays right by him, but the man does not always recognize his presence.”

Selling Books in the Punjab, India

By W. CARRATT

W. CARRATT
To show how much our books are read and liked in India, I will relate two incidents which occurred during my canvassing tour in the city of Lahore, Punjab:—
An Englishman bought a copy of “Heralds of the Morning” from one of our canvassers not long ago. He was so pleased with its contents that he ordered two additional copies. After a short period I visited the same house with one of our health books, and was immediately asked if I knew the gentleman who called a short while ago with the religious book, giving the name. On learning that I represented the same society, the Englishman ordered an additional copy of “Heralds of the Morning,” saying that it was a beautiful book, one of the best he had ever read, and that he had presented the first copies to friends. He also bought two copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” and one of “School of Health,” and has now ordered a copy of “Great Controversy.” As my interest in the man was aroused on account of his apparent interest and earnestness, and as he seemed to be a deep lover of Bible truth, I repeated my visits to his home, and to this I attribute my success in placing with him so many books.
The second incident is that of a native gentleman, who is a rich banker and barrister. I exhibited my book, “School of Health,” and then learned that he had purchased one copy of “Practical Guide to Health” from the same brother mentioned above. On learning that I represented the same society, he inquired why we take so much pains to circulate these books. I then had the privilege of telling him about our missionary work. He was greatly interested and in sympathy with us, and ordered one copy of “Heralds of the Morning” and one of “School of Health,” and subscribed for our monthly magazine called Herald of Health.
There are others in the city of Lahore who have not been satisfied with a single copy, and I consider this a sure sign of the estimation in which our excellent literature is held.

A Sabbath in the Wilderness

By MRS. AUGUSTA C. BAINBRIDGE

MRS. AUGUSTA C. BAINBRIDGE
Preparation day saw the house clean, the light Sabbath meals provided for, the children bathed, and papa's supper almost ready.
“Mama, let's sing until Sabbath comes.”
“Yes, dear. Here, George, you may stand by me, and help hold the book. Minnie may stand between us.”
And mama takes the chair by the window. Three voices join in the hymns they have sung so often and know so well.
“May we sing ‘Safely through’ now; the sun is ’most down?” asks Minnie.
And even while they sing, the orb of day drops behind the western hills. The world's rest day is here.
The far-away mill whistle blows, and soon the tired woodsman will be home.
“Minnie, you may ‘play organ’ while George helps me. Papa is too hungry to wait when he gets home.”
So the book is placed on the seat of the chair, leaning against the back. Minnie sits on her little stool in front of the chair, and “plays organ” with her little fingers on the chair seat, singing the songs she knows, over and over, turning the pages as she has seen others do. This is her Sabbath treat, and all the week she looks forward to it.
“Papa's come,” and away she runs to meet him and to tell him, “We had a singing, papa, and after supper we'll have some more.”
“Isn't it nice to have easy suppers, papa?” said George; “we can get everything done up so soon.”
“Yes, once in a while, son,” with a knowing look at mama, who has taken special pains that the Sabbath evening “easy supper” shall be one that shall please her husband. She must not let her Sabbath-keeping burden her unbelieving partner.
George's quick feet and mama's nimble fingers make a good team, and the dishes are soon despatched.
The “singing” is next in order; bed-time comes so soon on Sabbath evenings. The book is transferred from the chair to the table, and Minnie to mama's lap. They sing their hymns as happy as birds, while papa reads his evening paper.
“David for me,” says George, for story-time has come, “with the big lion after his sheep.”
“Serium Aden for me,” chose Minnie.
So after David had killed the lion, and folded his sheep safely for the night, and the little captive maiden in Syria had given her message of healing, the loving “Good nights” were said.
That mother wondered again, as often before, if the head behind the paper was really filled with thoughts gathered from its columns, or was there a message in the children's questions and stories and songs? God knew.
The precious REVIEW gave the faithful Sabbath-keeper a blessed evening; and morning brought the promise of a blessed day.
“Even the table-cloth knows it is Sabbath. See how still and smooth it stays,” smilingly says George, over his dish of flakes as his hand caressingly pats the cloth by his side. Little Minnie, too, holds her spoon more carefully, that not one drop may be spilled.
“Such fine, tidy children,” smiles papa, as he kisses each rosy face and starts off to the woods, where he chops, chops, all day long, getting the big logs ready for the mill to saw into lumber.
An “easy breakfast” is quickly cleared away, and after prayers, all three work together to get the house tidy for Sabbath-school and meeting.
First comes teacher's prayer-meeting, when mama goes into her room alone to pray. The children have their Sabbath picture cards spread out on the dining-room table. They are looking them over very carefully, for often there is a new one to admire, as mama sometimes slips one in during the week.
“O mama, see!” is the earnest greeting; “mine is the little Chinese baby boy king. What a lonesome look he has!” cries George, as mama appears in the doorway.
“And mine is some cold snow children,” says Minnie. The new cards are explained and admired, then all are returned to their boxes and put away until next Sabbath.
The three then, hand in hand, walk quietly into the front room, where the morning services are held.
How clean and still and happy it looks! They have no garden, as yet, in this wilderness home, but a few wild grasses adorn the table. Some people might call them weeds, but that could not be true, for weeds are plants growing where they are not wanted. These were the wild plants of the wilderness, growing just where they belong, in God's beautiful out-of-doors.
After bowing their heads in silent prayer for just a moment, the opening hymn is sung. George reads the numbers of the hymns from a slip of paper his mother has given him. He has been holding that dignified office for over a year. Then come records and collection, and the time is free for the lesson.
Another hymn, a Scripture lesson, a circle of prayer, and mama takes the teacher's chair.
“I think I know all my verses but one, and I know every reference,” and George begins to answer questions. Minnie has the memory verse, and is learning the references now.
Then comes the happiest part of the hour, when George takes the teacher's chair, and with mama's help over an occasional hard word, asks his grown-up pupil the questions from the Quarterly. This exacting teacher expects his pupil to answer every question with the full Scripture text and correct reference, without opening the Bible. Rarely does she fail; for she knows she is being watched by two pairs of very observant eyes, and being listened to by two pairs of very sharp ears. She knows that the pattern she sets is the one they will follow.
Another hymn is sung, which is followed by a short intermission, during which the windows are opened to invite a fresh supply of oxygen for the next service.
A hymn, a psalm for responsive reading, and a prayer, during which all kneel, complete the first part of the service.
Then come the reading of an article from the Signs, in lieu of a sermon, and a short story for the children, followed by a hymn. After this the collection (that is now Minnie's part) is taken, and all sing the Doxology. The mill whistle blows again for the noon hour, but as the papa in this home eats his dinner away in the woods, there is an opportunity for an outdoor lunch to-day.
“Mama, may we eat our lunch up the creek, on that grassy place where we went last Sabbath?”
“Of course!” and a basket of lunch is quickly prepared.
Papers, a singing-book, and a story-book are committed to George's care, and the three sally forth to enjoy a Sabbath out where the first Sabbath was kept, under God's blue sky.
Clean newspapers are used as a dry rug to sit on, as well as a clean cloth to spread the lunch on. Healthy appetites make the plain food taste delicious. This mother teaches that the Sabbath is not a day for feasting, but for enjoying what they eat in the fear of the Lord. Then comes the regular Sabbath story of creation. Little Minnie counts on her fingers the days, one after another, as well as the things that were made, getting them quite thoroughly confused; but George recites it all. One God, and he the creator, is this continual lesson. A few songs, the commandments, and a Bible verse or two make a fine prelude for the story.
“Now, children, mama has read to you your story; and you may run about while she reads hers. You may go as far as that fence, and see what pretty things you can find.”
An hour or more and they return, laden with the spoils of the field, and brimming over with interrogations.
Questions answered, the quiet walk home, the evening prayer and song service, and the beautiful day is ended all too soon.

"Just Be Glad"

By JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY
“O HEART of mine, we shouldn’t worry so! What we have missed of calm, we couldn’t have, you know! What we have met of stormy pain, And of sorrow’s driving rain, We can better meet again, If they blow.
We have erred in that dark hour we have known, When the tears fell with the showers all alone; Were not shine and shadow blent As the gracious Master meant? Let us temper our content With his own.
For we know not every morrow can be sad: So, forgetting all the sorrow we have had, Let us fold away our fears, And put by our foolish tears, And through all the coming years Just be glad. — Selected.

Mortality Records in the United States

ACCORDING to life insurance statistics, the annual death-rate per one thousand population has been reduced since 1880 about twenty per cent. This has been largely due to the education of the masses as to the causes and the prevention of disease, especially the infectious and communicable diseases; namely, diphtheria, smallpox, typhoid fever, tuberculosis; and also to the great diminution in infant mortality, by teaching mothers how to properly care for and feed their little ones.
It is only a few years since an educational campaign was started by one newspaper to check the foolhardy deaths and injuries from Fourth-of-July celebrations, and the annual deaths have been reduced from 466 in 1903 to 57 in 1911.
The campaign in New York City to reduce infant mortality by education, and the Straus pure milk stations have lowered the death-rate from 227 in 1905 to 125 in 1911.

An Interesting Question

A more aggressive educational campaign will give still better results. The above figures are very significant, for there are still remaining preventable or postponable diseases against which no war has been waged, and these diseases have been and are still steadily increasing. Why should the death-rate per one thousand population in the United States show such a heavy increase above the age of forty during recent years, while it has actually decreased during the same period in England and Wales? Can there be any local reason for this excessive loss of American life?
Chronic diseases kill half the people who die in the United States, or about 750,000 annually. Half of these, that is 375,000, would not die if the average health were as good as thirty years ago. The enormous increase in the mortality rate from chronic diseases has escaped the attention of doctors because of the notable decrease in the death-rate, the decrease in the deaths from acute diseases having been so great as to more than equal the increase in deaths from chronic diseases.
The actuaries of prominent life insurance companies assert that the mortality from chronic diseases has doubled in the last thirty years. While medicine has accomplished wonders in reducing the mortality from acute disease, it has signally failed in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
Statistics show a very marked increase in the death-rate above the age of forty from arteriosclerosis, heart and kidney diseases, apoplexy, paralysis, and the other degenerative diseases common to middle life and old age, against which no warfare of prevention has been waged, although they are to a very great extent preventable or postponable diseases if discovered and timely treated.

Is Strenuous Life the Cause

Is the cause of the premature wearing out of the North American due to strenuosity, the struggle for and the worship of the almighty dollar, intemperance in eating or drinking, the use of tobacco, alcohol, etc.? Isn’t a life saved from arteriosclerosis, apoplexy, heart or kidney disease, just as valuable to the community as a life saved from tuberculosis, typhoid fever, or accident?
As arteriosclerosis causes the majority of all deaths after fifty, it being really immaterial whether you call it apoplexy, paralysis, heart or kidney disease, the underlying pathological conditions are in all the cases the same, except only those cases of heart and kidney disease that are the sequelae of rheumatism or scarlet fever. Therefore assuming that arteriosclerosis is the most common cause of death after middle age, and that it is largely a preventable disease, or at the worst a postponable disease, a brief notice of its causes, prevention, and treatment would not be out of place, as in this disease the ounce of prevention is more than worth the pound of cure.
The causes of arteriosclerosis are manifold. Among the most common are the degenerations of old age, the strenuous life, intemperance in eating and drinking, an excess of meat diet, intestinal indigestion, gout, rheumatism, tobacco, alcohol, etc.
The cause or causes should be diligently sought for, and, if possible, removed; the patient should be taught the importance of the simple life, to avoid all excesses, both mental and physical; to observe regular habits; to avoid excesses in eating and drinking, especially the heavy meats, tea, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, etc. Arteriosclerosis is caused by some toxic material circulating in the blood, which is frequently absorbed from the digestive tract, and acts as an irritant to the vessel walls.

Evils of Tobacco

Tobacco is the most extensively used narcotic poison; the annual crop is estimated at three million tons. Tobacco is considered a cause of arteriosclerosis, or functional and organic heart-disease, and of certain forms of blindness.
As nearly all alcoholics are first addicted to the inmoderate use of tobacco, and as tobacco is a sedative poison, and alcohol is a stimulant poison, the use of one in a measure counteracts the effect of the other on the circulation, and therefore tobacco may be regarded as one of the causes of alcoholism.
A committee appointed by the French government reported that tobacco was possibly dangerous at all ages, and especially so in youth. Legislatures are passing laws to restrict the use of the weed to adults, and corporations will not trust cigarette smokers with responsible positions. The record of Yale College for eight years showed that the non-tobacco users were twenty per cent taller than the smokers, twenty-five per cent heavier, and had sixty-six per cent more lung capacity.
Tobacco increases the excitability of the heart by direct action on its nerve ganglions. The spinal nerves become affected, a staggering gait and swimming in the head are prominent symptoms of its poisonous action. Nicotin is a most active poison, resembling hydrocyanic acid in the rapidity of its fatal effects; eight drops will kill a horse, two drops will kill a dog. It affects both the heart and the blood-vessels, this being especially the case in old smokers. Nicotin retards the absorption of oxygen by the blood, and the nervous and arthritic are said to be especially susceptible to its poisonous effect. It is thought that tobacco lessens the resistive capacity, and renders the organism more liable to infection, especially to tuberculosis.

Results of Alcohol

In a lecture on alcohol, the late Robert Bartholow stated to his classes that more than three fourths of the crime, the insanity, poverty, and disease was caused, directly or remotely, by alcohol.
Alcohol fills our jails, hospitals, and almshouses; and a very wise old physician once said that alcohol kills people in a thousand ways. Alcohol is a recognized cause of chronic inflammation of the stomach, hardening of the liver, and degenerative disease of the heart, blood-vessels, kidneys, and of the nervous system.—Washington Star, April 23, 1912.

Overcoming Enemies With Kindness

ALMOST every one has an enemy. All enemies are not equally savage and cruel. Many enmities grow out of little misunderstandings in social, commercial, or political life. These small beginnings often become bitter feuds. How may one meet and overcome an enemy? By physical force and violence? This is one way—a very uncertain way. By ridicule and scorning? The best way is to meet him in love, and conquer him with kindness. Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” Paul said, “If thine enemy hunger, feed him.”
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