Earlier text: Sleeping—WaitingEvidences of Truth.
By R. F. Cottrell
As prophecies are being fulfilled light is increasing, as foretold, and consequently there is progress in the cause and work of God. But progress in truth is not made by overturning past positions, but by adding truth to truth. In the divine plan, one event follows another in the prescribed order, and the work of God moves forward, step by step, as light advances; so that those who are in the light, and hold a position in present truth, can look back upon the steps that have led them to their present position, and see a glorious path behind them made luminous with the light of prophecy fulfilled. "The path of the just is as the shining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." But while it shines more and more as we advance, it shines no less on the past. The light of the present does not make the past darkness. But there are those who profess to be walking in the increasing light, who leave a dark trail behind them. With them, the light of today extinguishes the light of yesterday. The past is repudiated as darkness and error. They were all wrong yesterday, but to-day they are all right. Their present position destroys every position they have occupied in the past. Such are those who set times for the advent. Their work resembles the work of men that would think to build a bridge by taking up the plank behind them and laying it before, or, rather, by taking up the plank they stand on, and standing on nothing while they lay it in advance. If we are very near the second advent, it is time for the advent messages of Rev. 14 to be proclaimed; and if it is time they should be proclaimed, they are being proclaimed; for, in the providence of God, they cannot fail of their fulfillment at the proper time. Therefore, those who can truly claim to be Adventists, having a position in present truth, can point out their position in the fulfillment of these messages. The experience and work of the true people of God were here laid down in prophecy 1800 years ago; so that there is no need of a mistake. The evidences from the prophecies, and their fulfillment, show conclusively that we are in the last days, and, consequently, that the advent is at hand. The three messages have been announced in their order; therefore, all that is necessary in order to know that the last message of probation is being fulfilled, is to believe the word and providence of God. And the steady progress of the work from its small beginning, and its stability, mark it as the work of God. It commends itself to the humble and discerning mind, as bearing the impress of the God of truth, who knows the end from the beginning. The humble seekers after truth will, ere, long see this truth. It does not require a superior order of intellect to apprehend the truth and the evidences on which it is based. Bible truth and salvation are for the common people. The ordinary mind, disposed to believe, can see the evidences, so as to believe for itself, and so obtains that salvation that comes by faith; while the great and the learned are liable to overlook the evidences and die in unbelief. The believer and the obedient shall be saved. "Can Ye not Discern the Signs of the Times?"
By D. T. Bourdeau
THIS question was put to the Jews by the Saviour with reference to the first advent, yet it contains principles which are applicable in the times in which we live. In many respects, the first and second advents are parallel events, and as there was danger of overlooking the signs of Christ's first coming, so there is now danger of overlooking the signs of his second coming. One reason of this danger is, that events lose their force upon the mind by their frequent occurrence. At the commencement of our late war, the American people were more shocked at the news of ten falling in battle, than they were afterward to learn that one thousand soldiers had been killed in an engagement. This should not be the case. Each event of this nature should tend to deepen the first impression, and arouse the soul. So it should be in regard to the increasing signs of Christ's second coming. But, alas! this is not the case. As it was in the days immediately preceding the deluge, so it is now. The nearer the world are to God's awful judgments, the less they are moved by them. The nearer they are to the coming of the Lord, the less inclined they are to believe that he is near. This is owing to the fact that when light shines upon impending events, and upon the duty of men with reference to them, they harden their hearts by turning from the light. Thus the light that is in them becomes darkness; and how great is that darkness! In this condition, Satan controls the mind, and men act as though bereft of reason in overlooking the riches and glories of the immortal kingdom, and confining their interests and pursuits to the things of time and sense. But the danger in this direction is by no means confined to the world at large. The church are also in great danger here. Hence, the caution of the Saviour to take heed and not be overcharged with eating and drinking, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon us unawares. Luke 21:34. The greater the light that people reject, the greater the darkness that follows. The higher the point from which one falls, the greater the injury that is experienced. Great is our light as Seventh-day Adventists. We have all the signs of the times that God has given to the world, and we have, besides these, the most forcible and valuable evidences of the end near, in blest experience in living out the truth, and in the glorious progress of the cause. How encouraging and interesting it is to reflect on the advance steps that God's people have taken in the establishment and use of mighty agencies to advance the last message of mercy within the last few years! Surely, this work has moved like the work of God. Those who have opposed it have had leanness, darkness, and death, while those who have stood by it have prospered. And no features are better calculated to bring courage and joy to every true friend of the cause, than the present efforts put forward in the missionary work. God is inviting us, through this enterprize, to work for him, and to work fast, to invest our talents of means, and our talents of influence, that the message may soon go to every civilized nation, and to missionary stations in heathen lands, and stir the world as no other message has done. Truly, a great and glorious work is before us. Our inmost souls should vibrate with gratitude, joy, love, and holy zeal, that we are connected with it. Shall we, as Seventh-day Adventists, discern the signs of the times in the advance steps that God calls upon us to take? And, discerning, shall we act? Shall we cultivate a spirit of sacrifice? Will those who are called to be messengers of the cross of Christ respond to the call by saying, Here am I? Affect my heart with a sense of the greatness and sacredness of the work. Touch my lips with the living coals from thine altar, and send me. Will those who are called upon to help with their means also respond to God's call to them? or will they excuse themselves, to lay up treasures upon earth to be consumed in the burning day? All can help more or less in this direction. But there is great danger of being blinded through selfishness and the deceitfulness of riches. God has claims upon our property. How wicked to appropriate God's means to our own selfish purposes. Shall a man rob God? Many have had the use of God's property for years. Shall they now return it to him with usury? or shall they study to put it where it will neither benefit them, nor the cause, and bring upon them a fearful debt in the end? May we all discern the signs of the times and fulfill the obligations under which they bring us. D. T. BOURDEAU. Christiana, Norway.
By John G. Matteson
ANOTHER week has passed. I have been busy writing and preparing for meetings. I have earnestly sought the Lord for help and strength, and have realized in some degree the presence of his Spirit. I have never commenced a course of meetings with greater interest, and desire that it may prove a success through the mighty help of God. Last night we held our first meeting. Probably about three hundred were present. They filled the room for meeting and our private rooms, as well as the entrance and stairs. A large crowd went away because they could not get into the house. The word spoken made a solemn impression on many hearts. Over one hundred small tracts were distributed, and I sold tracts for Kr. 5.10 ($1.36). A brother who is a good hand at canvassing would be a great help to us in this city. May the Lord direct for his own glory. October 28. JOHN G. MATTESON. Labors in Missouri.
By Geo. I. Butler
I MET with the friends at Sedalia, Sabbath, November, 16. Spoke to them twice. We had a most excellent social meeting after preaching, in which nearly all took part, many of them for the first time. The Spirit of God was present, and hearts were melted in tenderness. Surely God is good to give us an occasional oasis in this desert of toil and sorrow. There are good souls in Sedalia, who give promise of future usefulness. I spoke three times in Green Ridge, where Brother Wood has recently given a course of lectures. We had a full house Sunday night, and the best of attention was paid. We hope for a little church, at least, in this place; and others we trust will come in to swell their numbers. Geo. I. Butler. WHAT roundabout ways people often take to see the truth. They don't look it square in the face, but try to climb up some other way. They dress it in all sorts of garbs to disguise it, and are themselves befooled. The simplicity of the New Testament has been made difficult and hard to understand by just such measures. In trying to explain, it has been explained away. In talking too liberally, the obvious meaning has been ignored; and in the multitude of words meant to bring the meaning more clearly to us, wisdom has been darkened and the truth muddled. Many Words Do Not Satisfy
MANY words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life gives ease to the mind; and a pure conscience affords a great confidence in God. Vigilant Missionary Societies—Why Needed.
By S. N. Haskell
THE question is frequently asked, "Why do we need a vigilant missionary society where there is a church tract society organized?" We answer: First, It is not usually practicable for the officers and leading members of our church societies, who are mostly brethren, to devote the attention and labor required to carry out our present plan of distributing reading matter, especially the SIGNS OF THE TIMES; and no others feel any special responsibility in the matter, unless it is made incumbent upon them. Second, It opens to the sisters a field of labor for which many of them are well qualified, independent of the general management of the tract society. Third, It gives system and order to this part of the work, which is indispensable if anything is really accomplished. OLD METHOD OBJECTIONABLE.
The old plan of gathering up names and having periodicals sent to individuals directly from the Office, without first learning whether those to whom they were sent would be interested or not, has serious objections. 1. There is a law forbidding publishers sending out printed matter at publishers' rates of postage to any who are not regular subscribers. 2. Many to whom the papers were sent were not interested, and never would become so; and a year's subscription was lost. 3. Two or three copies were sometimes sent to the same individual by different tract workers. 4. The individual simply paid his money, and had no further care or responsibility in the matter, and no burden of labor. By the present plan, the society or an individual subscribes for a club of from four to four hundred copies of our paper, and remails them to such individuals as he thinks would be willing to read. Three numbers are sent to one address, and then a letter is written. If the answer indicates that the person is interested, more papers or tracts are sent. But if no response is made, the name is dropped, and others tried. This plan has advantages over the old method in the following particulars: 1. It educates people to labor for others. 2. It lays upon each person a weekly responsibility which cannot be properly discharged without thought, planning, and much prayer. 3. It calls into exercise talent which would otherwise be useless to the cause of God. 4. The systematic workings of a vigilant missionary society prevent any of the copies of the SIGNS being left over in families, because they cannot find interested readers. 5. By this method, at least ten families will be visited by the SIGNS, where, by the old method, only one family would receive it. 6. It brings into the church a good moral atmosphere. The first questions that arise are, How many copies of the SIGNS can this church take? and how can we pay for them? A paper is drawn up, as follows: "We, the undersigned, do hereby agree to pay monthly the sum set opposite our names, for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, to be sent to this church at club rates for one year, these papers to be used in the tract and missionary work. The amount pledged will show how many copies of the SIGNS can be taken by the church. One dollar a month will pay for eight copies. Where the members are few and so scattered that a regular attendance of five or six cannot be secured every week at some appointed time and place, a vigilant committee of one, two, or three is appointed to attend to the distribution of these papers. It is the duty of this committee to obtain a sufficient number of addresses, so that each copy can be used weekly. In such cases the SIGNS should be sent to one of the members of the committee, who should furnish copies to those who have pledged, if they are so situated as to use them. The vigilant missionary society is an arrangement entered into by members of the church, usually sisters in small churches, though all are invited to join. These persons meet weekly, and take the responsibility of seeing that all the copies of the SIGNS not otherwise appropriated are used weekly for the purposes designed. This organization can be effected in churches where six or more sisters can meet weekly at some stated time, to confer together and transact such business as pertains to their work. In organizing a vigilant missionary society, at least two officers are necessary, a president, and a secretary who shall act as treasurer. A vice-president, assistant secretaries, and corresponding agents may be added when circumstances render these officers necessary. For the benefit of those who are able to effect an organization, we present the following by-laws, which in substance are adopted by regularly organized vigilant societies east and west. ARTICLE I. This society shall be called the S. D. A. Vigilant Missionary Society of the ——church. ART. II. The object of this society shall be to secure the world-wide circulation of our periodicals and other publications, and to awaken and increase an interest in pure and undefiled religion wherever, and in whatever manner, practicable. ART. III. The officers of this society shall consist of a president, and a secretary who shall act as treasurer. These shall be elected semi annually. Corresponding agents may be appointed as the work demands. ART. IV. Any one who keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus may become a member by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting, and by the payment of fifty cents. ART. V. The duties of the president and secretary shall be the same as are common to such officers. The duties of the corresponding agents shall be to circulate tracts and periodicals; also to render aid by securing names and addresses of those who they think would be benefited by receiving reading matter or letters from the society. ART. VI. These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any regular meeting. The meetings of the society are opened with singing and prayer, followed by the reading of the report of the preceding meeting; then any business pertaining to the interests of the society is in order. Addresses of individuals to whom the SIGNS may be sent can be handed in, cases of need can be brought up, those not taking our periodicals may be looked after, and letters which have been received during the previous week may be read. Then the SIGNS should be distributed among the members present, and the meeting closed with a season of prayer for special cases which may have come before the society. When the name of any person is reported to the society, according to Art. V., the president should appoint a member to furnish reading matter to, and correspond with such person. And it is expected of all members who may be designated to write or visit, that they should first seek the blessing of God upon the effort. All members of the society are expected to state any convictions that they may have concerning writing to, or visiting any particular individual. But nothing in the by-laws shall prevent any visits being made where the way may open, though appointments have not been made. It is also expected that all absent members, wherever they may be, will unite with the society in seeking the special blessing of God upon it and its efforts at the stated hour of meeting. During the week, the SIGNS distributed among the members of the society are to be sent out. After sending a paper for three successive weeks to the same individual, a letter should be written. If no response is made, cease sending the paper, and try others. Some might be interested by continuing the paper, but the probabilities are that they would not be; and as the world is full of people who have not heard the truth, it is better to give others an opportunity to investigate than to continue to send papers to those who make no response. Brethren and sisters living alone, or in company with others, but who are so situated that they can do nothing with the SIGNS themselves, should link their interests with some society that is in active operation. They should not feel that they can do nothing simply because they live alone. Many living alone can use five or more copies of the SIGNS themselves. Some sisters individually use fifty copies. WORK FOR THE SOCIETY OR COMMITTEE.
The work of these societies or committees, should be: 1. To find interested readers for the SIGNS and other periodicals, by correspondence and otherwise. 2. To correspond with all who they may have reason to believe will be benefited thereby, especially lonely Sabbath keepers. 3. To visit, converse, and pray with such families as we might suppose our Saviour would visit were he upon earth. 4. To become acquainted with each family in the church, and see that our periodicals are taken by them. 5. To see that those who are sick or destitute in the church where they belong, do not suffer for want of attention; and if not able to give relief themselves, to call the attention of others to the matter. In short, they should be vigilant committees indeed, to watch the inroads of Satan and make war upon him by getting the truth into his ranks by every possible means which is lawful in the sight of heaven. The following questions are frequently asked:— 1. "How can addresses be obtained?" Ans. From friends; from periodicals of all kinds; from corresponding agents. A successful method with some has been to correspond with individuals, stating that they were interested in a missionary work, and wished to send out religious reading matter, and then asking these persons to send them names and addresses. Some have written to post-masters for names. Addresses may be secured by every lawful means. 2. "Should the brethren join the vigilant society?" Ans. All are invited to join. 3. "Does money paid to the vigilant society constitute one a member of the tract society?" 4. "Is it necessary for every member of the vigilant missionary society to join the tract society?" 5. "Must members of the vigilant society individually report to the tract society, if they are members of that society?" Ans. Yes; just the same as though there was no vigilant society. Then the vigilant society report will show what proportion of the work reported by the district secretary was done by members of the vigilant society. 6. "Should the secretary be required to wrap all the papers, write all the letters, and perform all the general labor of the society?" Ans. No; this work should be divided among the members present at the meetings of the society. 7. "How shall the postage be paid?" Ans. Each individual should pay on the papers which he sends out, or it may be paid by donations. S. N. HASKELL,
President General T. and M. Society. "Do not run, my daughter, but walk with dignity, for you know ladies never skip and jump," were the words of one of fashion's votaries, as she was tripping on her way to a fashionable millinery establishment, in company with her little daughter. Bessie was a sprightly, active child, too much so for the precise mother. The effect of this and similar injunctions was, as we shall see, to ruin her health and fit her for an untimely grave. Listen! she is now eight years of age. There are roses on her cheek—the flush of health blooms there. But let us follow them to the fashionable shop, to select a hat for the daughter. "Ah! here is one which will become your young lady well," said the milliner, as she placed one upon the young girl's head. "Does she not look beautiful?" said the doting mother, as she surveyed her daughter with an evident air of pleasure; "but what is the price of this beauty of a bonnet?" "Only ten dollars, ma'am." The "love of a hat" was purchased, and the shoppers proceeded on their way. Next they entered a shoe store, where a pair of Parisian slippers were purchased. What though the soles were not thicker than paper, and the wearer must suffer with damp feet as soon as they touch the ground, they were the real French article, and this was a rare purchase! The mother and daughter returned home. A dress-maker was in attendance, ready to compress the lungs, and complete the slow murder which was already commenced. This was done by the aid of whalebones and stays, and all to give the poor girl a fine figure. When other children were "skipping 'neath sunny skies," breathing heaven's pure air, Bessie was not permitted to take such healthful exercise. The fashionable mansion is brilliantly lighted, for there is to be a splendid party, and Bessie Bentley is to make her first public entree in the fashionable world. The mother sought the dressing-room of the daughter, in order that no part of the young girl's toilet might be left incomplete. "What, Bessie not ready yet; the guests are all assembled!" said the mother, as she entered the room where her young, hopeful daughter had thrown herself upon a sofa, to gather strength for the coming night of revelry and mirth. "Emma could not clasp my dress, so I have laid it aside; and appear in one of my old ones I will not." "Try it again, and I will assist you," said Mrs. B. After many long moments in which the breath of her daughter was suspended, the dress was clasped, and by the mother pronounced a perfect fit. "But, Bessie, how pale you look! We must remedy that." The fresh rouge was applied to the pallid cheeks, and they once more assumed a healthy glow. And then, although the thermometer was at zero, there was no covering for the arms and neck. Bessie had danced until she had become so flushed and heated that she sought the cold, damp, night air, regardless of the injury to health and constitution, which would be the result of this careless exposure. Soon the company were found around the supper table, which was spread with the most delicate and costly viands. There, at that late hour, they ate, and they drank. Just before the morning light, the gay party separated. With an aching head, Bessie sought her pillow. Visions of fancy floated before her mind, and she could not sleep. At a late hour in the day she rose and entered the breakfast room.367 The rouge was not on her cheeks now, and they were deadly pale. . . Two months from that night, Bessie Bentley was a cold corpse. She was murdered. The murderer was her own mother! But, ah, this was not all! The mind, too, had been poisoned! and the fatal draught was administered by the same mother who had destroyed the mortal life. She had taught her young daughter to believe that the present was all she lived for. She had told her not to think of death. It would be many years before the grim monster would visit her, and she must live while she lived, for the present. Her purpose was accomplished. But, ah! how bitterly did the mother regret the course she had pursued, when in the deep agony of dissolving nature, her daughter groaned and cried, "I have no hope of heaven!" The lone mother shed many bitter tears; for, strange to say, she loved her daughter. The coffin was lowered into the grave, and I thought, as I beheld each heaving gush of agony, as it burst from her very soul, does that blind and infatuated parent realize that she has murdered her idolized child! Will not the mothers of our land be responsible for many lives which are daily being sacrificed on fashion's altar? The foregoing is but a solitary case. There are many others. Mother! daughter! be admonished in time, lest a similar fate and similar reflections await thee.—Advocate and Guardian. Elevate the Standard.
By R. F. Cottrell
THE standard of Christian character and consecration which are in the minds of professed followers of Christ, is altogether too low; and unless the aim can be directed to higher attainments, it is in vain to hope for a preparation for translation at the coming of Christ. Iniquity abounds; it is so common; the standard of piety is so low, that to purify a people and prepare them to stand in the hour of temptation which is coming to try them, is truly a great work. In the time of the end, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried.” It is a perfect purification that will prepare them to bear the trial. They must stand blameless at the close of the intercessions of Jesus, our High Priest, or they cannot stand with him thus on Mount Zion in the city of the living God. This work can and will be done for the waiting church; but it cannot for those who aim no higher than the standard in the minds of professors generally. It must be seen that it is our “reasonable service” to sacrifice our all, our dearest idols, for His sake who “gave himself for us.” The Spirit of Christ will lead to self-sacrifice for the good of others, and “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” To renounce one’s self and take up the cross and follow Christ, is a greater work than the mass of professed Christians are aware of. To get the mind elevated from the low grounds of sin, and from the selfish desire of being saved by Christ by a mere profession of faith in him, or a little less than that, without following him in his example of self-sacrifice and labor of love, is the great work that is needed, and which is most difficult to be done. In consequence of prevailing apostasy and loose moral sense, the standard of Christian character is trailing in the dust. Who will take hold to elevate it? Who will go up into the gaps, that the house of Israel may stand in the battle in the day of the Lord? Who is ready to meet the fiercest assaults of the enemy, by advancing and taking position in the gap? Let those who can see the need of a higher standard take hold of the work. Let them begin at home, and build against their own house. Until men can see that there is a higher standard, no progress will be made in coming up to it. Let Israel arise. Let them come up to the help of the Lord. We have the light, and we are responsible for it. Let us advance at the risk of all. It is the courageous that will be victorious. R. F. COTTRELL. THREE schoolgirls over their lessons bent,
All still, by the evening light;
Their lips in a busy murmur went,
For the task must be done to-night;
"To-morrow," they said, "we shall sore repent,
If all is not learned aright." "Now what," said Maud, "is the worst you fear
If the lesson at last should fail?"
And May looked up with a grimace queer—
"Oh, I know that the rest would rail,
That the girls would laugh and the boys would sneer—
At the very thought I quail." "And what," said Grace, "is your thought of dread?"
And Maud said, "Oh, that frown!
If I left to my teacher a word unsaid,
And brought his censure down.
More his displeasure would bow my head,
Than the sneers of all the town." "Then what," cried May, "would you grieve for most?"
"And," said Grace, "My heart would burn
That I had forgotten at such dear cost
The truth that we all must learn;
I should grieve," she said, "for the lesson lost,
And the day that would ne'er return." 5. Be careful to thoroughly dry the patient after his bath, rubbing vigorously to prevent chilling. 6. The most favorable time for taking a bath is between the hours of ten and twelve in the forenoon. 7. The temperature of the room should be at about 80° or 85°. The following are brief descriptions of the more important baths applicable in the home treatment of dyspepsia:-- SPONGE-BATH.--This bath consists in rubbing the whole body with a sponge or towel wet in water of an agreeable temperature. It is most useful for a general ablution. SITZ BATH.--A tub made especially for the purpose, or a common wash-tub, may be employed. Place in the vessel sufficient water to cover the hips and lower part of the abdomen. The patient or an attendant should rub and knead the abdomen during the bath. The water should be of a temperature ranging from 85° to 98°, according to the condition of the patient. Cover the patient during the bath. FOOT-BATH.--Prepare vessels of water, one containing that as hot as can be well borne, and the other containing quite cool or cold water. Place the feet in the warm bath for from five to ten minutes, and then remove them quickly to the cold bath, returning them to the warm bath after a few minutes, and thus alternating three or four times, concluding by dipping the feet in the cool water and then wiping them dry. WET SHEET-PACK.--Spread two or three comfortables upon a bed or mattress. Spread over the whole a woolen sheet. Wring out of water of the desired temperature, a linen or cotton sheet. Spread it quickly upon the bed, and let the patient immediately lie down in the middle. Then quickly envelop him in the wet sheet, wrapping him snugly from head to foot. Then cover him with the comfortables, and let him remain quiet as long as required. Elevate the head a little, and use care to have the feet warm. Half-packs may be taken in a similar manner, confining the application to the trunk of the body. CHEST-WRAPPER.--The wrapper should be made of coarse cloth, and should be shaped so as to fit the chest. Apply it after wringing just sufficiently to prevent dripping. Cover with a light, dry flannel wrapper. Change three or four times a day. HALF-BATH.--For this bath is required a vessel of sufficient size to allow the patient to sit upright with his limbs extended. Enough water to cover the limbs, thighs, and lower part of the abdomen, is necessary. During the bath, the attendant should rub vigorously the limbs, back, chest, and abdomen, of the patient. PAIL-DOUCHE.--This consists in pouring water over the shoulders of the patient. It is often employed to tone up the surface after a hot bath. FOMENTATIONS.--Wring out of water as hot as can well be borne, a folded flannel cloth, and apply it quickly to the part to be treated. Cover with a dry cloth or piece of oiled silk, and change in a few minutes. COMPRESSES.--Apply wet cloths in the same manner as in fomentations, wetting them in either cool, cool, or tepid water, according to the effect desired. RUBBING-WET-SHEET.--This bath consists in enveloping the patient in a wet sheet, and rubbing him briskly with the hand outside the sheet. ENEMAS.--An enema is a small portion of water thown into the rectum by means of a syringe. The water may be either cool, tepid, or warm, as occasion may require. Active and passive movements are among the most important remedial agents which can be brought to bear in the treatment of dyspepsia. Kneading and percussing the abdomen are perhaps the most directly beneficial of the various useful agents which may be thus employed. Many dyspeptics have been entirely cured by the simple practice of daily percussion, which consists in striking the abdomen with the open hand, gently at first, but with daily increasing force as the abdominal muscles acquire tone and elasticity. When an individual is suffering from an undigested meal, his pain may often be quickly and effectually relieved by continuous kneading for a half hour, the stomach being thus aided in the work of digestion. Kneading and percussion are sovereign remedies for torpidity of the bowels. Another excellent form of movements is friction of the whole surface of the body by rubbing the skin with the dry hand. This may be practiced upon rising each morning, and again upon retiring at night, with the excellent result of keeping the skin active and free from impurities. The rubbing may be done over a dry sheet when desirable, as in the rubbing-wet-sheet. Percussion, kneading, and rubbing, of various parts of the body, are useful in many cases, together with other movement processes, a description of which cannot be given here. While a correct dietary is one of the very best preventives of indigestion, it is still more important as a curative agent in the treatment of the disease. As a general rule, dyspeptics may make use of the same food which is perfectly healthful for people not suffering from the disease. In aggravated cases, the following suggestions will be found to be conducive to easy and prompt digestion:-- 1. Avoid the frequent use of liquid food, as soups and gruels. Mushes are also rather objectionable, unless eaten with graham crackers or cracknels. Dry food, requiring thorough mastication, is the most preferable. 2. Avoid eating fruits and vegetables at the same meal. 3. Do not use very sour fruits, as lemons, limes, currents, and cranberries. Also avoid such acrid, pungent vegetables as onions and radishes. 4. Eat but few kinds of a meal, and let the food be prepared in as simple a manner as possible. Do not overeat. Flesh-meats are not so good food as vegetables; but if animal food must be employed, as in some cases seems to be necessary, for a time at least--use only lean meat slightly cooked, or soft-boiled eggs. Good bread is very essential for the dyspeptic. Fermented bread, and that "raised" with soda or saleratus, are poor articles of food, being the occasion of indigestion. The following is a recipe for making perfectly wholesome bread:-- Make a stiff batter with cold water and the best graham flour; work in as much flour as will knead well, and then knead for twenty minutes or half an hour. Make into rolls one-half inch thick and bake in a hot oven, moderating the heat a little after four or five minutes. Several kinds of flour may be mixed together. Oatmeal, corn meal, and rye meal may be made into good bread in the same way.