Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday January 24, 2006

James Simpson known as the founder of Gynecology and the discoverer of Chloroform claimed faith in Christ and often risked his life in the discovery and development of Anesthesia. I read years ago that two realties drove Dr. Simpson in his search for something that would put patients into a deep sleep and thus easing the brutal pain of surgery.

First, was the horrible pain of surgery in that era, Simpson lived from 1811 to 1870, when more people died from the trauma of surgery than of the problem which brought on the attempted cure through surgery.

Second, Dr. Simpson was constantly prompted by the Genesis account of the creation of Eve from Adams rib. He was convinced that the 'Deep Sleep' which God caused to fall upon Adam prior to the removal of the rib was the key to easing the pain and much of the danger related to surgery. He finally hit on Chloroform, though considered primitive by today's standards, a vastly improved and more controllable anesthetic in his day. Ether had been used but it seemed to create more problems than it solved. Many had noted to numbing effect of the wedding ceremony on men, but the ceremony proved too cumbersome for the operating room and it left the women with nothing to use for surgery.

I am often amazed at the simple faith and curiosity of many of the men and women of that particular time period.

On the practice of witnessing about personal faith to others Dr. Simpson stated simply though boldly:

"I looked and saw Jesus, my Substitute, scourged in my stead and dying on the cross for me. I looked and cried and was forgiven. And it seems my duty to tell you of that Saviour, to see if you will not also look and live."

When we first moved to Indiana over thirty years ago The Great Blonde needed the services of a Gynecologist due to cancer. A fine Christian Dr. was recommended and performed the necessary services. He was very good at Gynecology. He also witnessed and was called before the hospital board on several occasions due to some ladies being offended. One said, "It's not about him ranting about Jesus, but just before I went under, he looked and me asked, 'Are you ready to die?'"

Ah, the time, place and choice of words when witnessing.

I have no idea as to whether you will discover some formula equal to Chloroform from your study of the scripture. I do know that you will be immensely enriched from the treasure trove of God's word to your inner self, the real you. From scripture you will discover many of the necessary principles for victorious daily living.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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