Covenanter Witness Vol. 55 - Rparchives.org

world."Glimpses of the Religious WorldFrank E. Allen, D. D.A WORD OF THANKSAs I begin writing for the Witness again I wish tomake a few personal remarks, and the first of these isto thank the many friends who wrote to me during myillness in the summer. I appreciate your prayers, messagesof sympathy, and kind expressions concerning this page inthe Witness."SpeakingofOperations"There is a book which we read a few years ago writtenby one who had been through an operation, entitled, "Speaking of Operations." The writer tells how the various patientsinsisted on telling of their operations. I too, have heard manytales in former years and in late months of illness andoperations and resolved that I would try to refrain fromburdening others with my troubles and pains. As ministers,we try to sympathize with others and keep our own troublesto ourselves.A Few FactsHowever, since many have asked concerning my recentillness and operation, and various reports seem to havecirculated, here are a few facts for interested friends. Ifelt almost normal during the recent meeting of Synod,but three days afterward was taken ill and was not ableto retain food. After examination by doctors of the MayoClinic at Rochester, Minn., I was operated on by Dr. HowardK. Gray when a duodenal ulcer was discovered. Dr. Graytold us that three tests were taken none of which showedany malignancy. He stated, furthermore, "Strange as itcancerous."may seem a duodenal ulcer is never I am thankful to God for His gracious preservation and for my recovery, and also to have had the services of one of themost skilled surgeons in America. My readers, I am sure,as stated above, will appreciate the omission of details.A Call to WatchMy sudden knowledge of illness, as that of manyothers, is a reminder that we do not know what a dayor an hour may bring forth. We should live in confidentfaith, serving the Lord faithfully, and knowing that He iswith us always even unto the end of theHis graceis sufficient and His strength is made perect in weakness.Dr. H. K. Gray's Sudden EndThe above warning has been emphasized by the suddendeath, by drowning, of Dr. Gray. The Rochester Post-Bulletin stated: "Dr. Howard K. Gray of Rochester, 54, aninternationally known abdominal surgeon and one of themost popular and respected members of the staff of theMayo Clinic, drowned late yesterday afternoon (Sept. 6,1955) in Lake Pepin near Lake City. The body was recoveredchanged. The chemical composition of enzymes and themethod of their operation was a mystery until Dr. Theorellbegan making his discoveries, twenty years ago. He hasisolated many enzymesand explained their functioning.One result is a better understanding of the chemical differences between normal cells and cancer cells. This maycontribute to a method of curing or controlling cancer.thismorning."He drowned, though he was a good swimmer, while attempting to retrieve a boat which broke loosefrom his cabin cruiser. There was speculation as to whetherhis drowning resulted from a heart attack or from crampsdue to the cold water.Dr. GrayA Christian Surgeonwas an almost ideal physician and surgeon,a Christian who was not ashamed of being known as such,a man who believed in and practiced prayer in connectionwith his surgery. When he decided to operate on me onJune 29 I asked him if he would pray for Divine guidanceand he replied that he would do so. Would that we had ahost of medical men of like faith and skill! When we firstknew of Dr. Gray it was through a nurse who was attending Mrs. Allen, then in the hospital, who told her of alecture he had given to a class of Christian nurses in whichhe took exception to the theoryof evolution. This nursehad not known that any scientist would oppose the widely accepted theory of evolution. Later we sent her oneof my books on evolution. Fourteen years ago, after Dr.Gray had operated on me on account of gall stones, Ihad a heart-to-heart talk with him when I urged him toorganize and direct a truly Christian hospital, not merelyone with a denominational name, but which was positively Christian all the way through. He said he would thinkabout it, and mentioned it later when I talked with him,and again in a letter saying he was keeping it in mind.I have been a patient in two denominational hospitals andI appreciate their Christian service so far as it goes, butit does not go far enough. A genuine thoroughly Christianhospital would be a great blessing to any community.Parental TrainingDr. Gray had visited his mother shortly before heoperated on me recently. I asked him if she was still teaching the Bible. He replied, "She will be teaching the Bible(Continued on page 296)THE COVENANTER WITNESSIssued each Wednesday by the Publication Board of theREFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHOF NORTH AMERICAat 120 West fith Street, Newtcm. Kansas orthrough its editorial office at 1209 Boswell Avenue, Topeka, Kansasto promote Bible Standards of Doctrine, Worship and LifeFor individuals, churches and nationsOpinions expressed in our columns are those of the individual writer,not necessarily the views of the Covenanter Church or of the Editor.Dr. Raymond Taggart, D.D., Editor1209 Boswell Avenue, Topeka KansasContributing EditorsFrank E. Allen. D.D.Prof. William H. RussellWalter McCarroll. D.D.Remo I. Robb, D.D.Departmental EditorsRev. John O. EdgarMrs. J. O. EdgarMrs. Ross LatimerSubscription rates: $2.50 per year; Overseas, $3.00; Single Copies".10 cents.The Rev. R. B. Lyons, B.A., Limavady, N. Ireland, Agent for theBritish Isles.Entered as second class matter at the Post Office in Newtonunder the Act of March 3, 1879.Address communications to the Topeka office.KansasNovember 2, 1955 291