The Foot-and-Mouth Disease.
The terrible foot-and-mouth disease that swept over our country during one year meant an enormous loss in animal life and in money to the farmers and dealers, as well as to all that are concerned in any way with the side products of the great industry. Massachusetts was by no means a heavy loser compared with many States, and yet in this State before the disease could be conquered 2,104 head of cattle were killed, 5,703 swine, 77 sheep, and II goats. These were worth $230,000, of which the national government paid half and the State government half, while the farmers paid many a loss that could not be covered by any appropriation. This fearful slaughter of infected and exposed animals which went on all over the country, together with the strictest quarantine, was the only possible way of ending the plague.
I have been set to thinking about the foot-and-mouth disease to which men are subject. The foot—it will not go on God's errands; the mouth—it will not speak God's messages. Sloth is one cause. Fear is one cause. Selfishness is one cause. These must be slain in the heart before the disease can be conquered. No quarantine avails. Indeed, this strange disease is often made worse by isolation. Get out and go to work—that is the best cure.
Have you the foot-and-mouth disease in your church? Or perhaps you have it yourself.
What are you going to do about it?