Faithful Shepherd Dogs

1901

A cold spell in Montana killed a sheep herder in the Great Falls district. Two feet of snow covered the range in places, and the thermometer indicated 40 degrees below zero. The herder was frozen to death on the prairies while caring for the sheep, and it was three days before his fate was known to his employers.

Two shepherd dogs were with him when he died, and one of these stayed with his body while the other attended to the sheep, just as though the herder had been with him. The dog drove them out on the range in the morning and back again at night, guarding them from wolves and preventing them from straying off.

Neither dog had anything to eat during the three days' vigil, so far as could be ascertained, but the 2,500 sheep thrived as well apparently as though directed by human agency. The singular fact about the matter is that these faithful creatures would have starved to death rather than harm one of the sheep left in their charge. — Portland Oregonian.

People Retain Belief in Amulets

1910

Superstitions That Once Were General Throughout the World Not Yet Entirety Gone

Faith in the virtue of amulets was well-nigh universal in ancient days; Lord Bacon says the historians had firm belief in them. Indeed, much of the art of medicine consisted in the direction for their employment. Gems, gold, stones, bones, bits of parchment with sacred writing, cylinders of stones, unicorns' horns, all of these would protect against the invading spirits or the influence of the evil eye.

This is the origin of countless popular superstitions that remain to this day. The form has been handed down, while the theories which prompted it have long since been lost sight of. This is why some people carry in their pocket a horse chestnut or a new potato to ward off rheumatism; this is why others tie around the necks of their children a tarred rope as a preventive against all the diseases common to children; this is why others think a gold chain will prevent quinsy sore throat, or a string of root beads worn around the neck will help children to cut teeth.

The coral beads which ease the troubles of teething children and the amber beads which cure asthma are beliefs which are firmly adhered to to this day. Pliny relates that Domitius Nero used to wear the hair of his wife on his neck, thinking it beneficial because it was amber colored. Amulets for teething are of very old date, and as red was a favorite color for an amulet, it can easily be seen how the coral necklace came to be so popular for infants who were teething.

Red was considered very potent in warding off the evil eye. In time of trouble, when the evil eye was especially triumphant, all the red tape in a certain county in England was brought up to ward off its baleful influence. The remains of this superstition still prevail, for many people believe that a red string around the neck is an excellent remedy for asthma, measles and mumps. The preservation of faith in red still exists, as is shown in the great virtues of red flannel, and the belief that the milk of the red cow is better than that of a cow of another color.

The German peasant, if he cuts himself, thinks he stanches the blood better with a red ribbon. This may be accounted for not only by tradition, but by the fact that blood would not form so startling a contrast when wetting a red ribbon as when wetting a white one.


They Really Believe It

Some people cling to the old-fashioned idea that a man must be a genius if he goes about with hair.

Have Confidence in Yourself and You Will Succeed

1920

TWO ONE-LEGGED MEN
By Napoleon Hill

In the town of Wichita Falls, Texas, I saw a one-legged man sitting on the side-walk begging for alms.

A few questions brought out the fact that he had a fair education. He said he was begging because no one would give him work. "The world is against me and I have lost confidence in myself," he said.

Ah, there was the rub!

"I have lost confidence in myself."

Across the hall from my office is another one-legged man. I have known him for several years and I know that his schooling was slight. He has less training than the one-legged beggar.

But he is earning a thousand dollars a month. As Sales Manager of a manufacturing concern he is directing the efforts of fifty men.

The beggar displayed the stump of his amputated leg as evidence that he needed alms. The other one legged man covered up the stump of his lost leg so it would not attract attention.

The difference between the two men exists merely in viewpoint. One believes in himself and the other does not! The one who believes in himself could give up the other leg and both arms and still earn a thousand dollars a month. He could even give up both eyes, to boot, and still earn the money.

The world never defeats you until you defeat yourself. Milo C. Jones, of "Little Pig Sausage" fame, became a wealthy man out of the sausage business after paralysis had stricken him down and taken away the use of nearly every muscle in his body. He couldn't turn over in bed without aid.

As long as you have faith in yourself and that wonderful mind of yours continues to function properly, YOU CANNOT BE DEFEATED IN ANY LEGITIMATE UNDERTAKING. This statement is made without qualifications, because it is true.

—The Ada Evening News, Ada, Oklahoma, February 13, 1920, page 6.

Note: $1,000 a month in 1920 was a tremendous amount. It meant doing really really well.

Brother Isaiah, Healer: Blind Hope Leads Crippled and Suffering

1920--

NEW ORLEANS, April 3. -- The lame, the halt and the blind are beating a track to the door of "Brother Isaiah," who cures, he claims, by the laying on of hands.

"Brother Isaiah" was christened John Cudney. He is 75. He has been variously Mississippi River derelict, peddler of kindling wood and watchman on a government dredge.

Now he lives with an aged sister in a houseboat and day after day and far into each night prays with the sick and afflicted who come for his aid.

Many testify to his power to cure by faith. Others scoff. His followers emphasize his refusal to accept money or gifts.

When Cudney left the dredge he walked about the water front aiding the infirm he met. His fame spread. Now it is not uncommon for thousands to stand on the river bank watching him at his "miracles."

At first only the poor and illiterate came. Now, blind hope leads; white and black, poverty-stricken and wealthy come to him for aid. Once he prayed 22 hours and had to turn away supplicants to obtain rest and food. He prayed with them all that night in a driving rain until 6 o'clock in the morning.

Failed With a Few

For a while it looked bad for "Brother Isaiah." Some of those who had apparently been benefited found their joy was premature.

But the crowds came back when he said he had failed in some cases because of the "supplicant's lack of faith."

Others attested to complete cures; friends and relatives backed them up. One is Mrs. Emilia Letarovich, who for seven years had been an invalid. She walked away from the healer's boat crying that she was cured.

Careful checking of "cures" or "benefits" reveals that the Miracle Man has had little success in relieving those affected by organic diseases. But he has cured or benefited those who ailments might be due largely to imagination, shock or mental condition.

Woman Was Cured

Friends of Mrs. Alex Pujol, wife of the deputy commissioner of public works, who could scarcely walk or move her fingers because of rheumatism, say that she can now walk across the room and use her hands more freely than she has in years.

"This is the power of the living God," "Brother Isaiah" tells his crowds. "I lay my hands on and life takes place in the flesh of sickness. It is the spirit of the Lord that makes them well. None is cured save he who has faith in the Lord and his works. Those I have healed are healed by faith."

--The Des Moines News, Des Moines, Iowa, April 3, 1920, page 4.


"BROTHER ISAIAH" IS ORDERED TO USE SOAP
Healer Must Wash His Hands Between "Layings On," Declare New Orleans Board of Health

NEW ORLEANS -- "Brother Isaiah," aged "faith healer," here has fallen afoul of the state board of health which alleges he doesn't wash his hands between "laying on."

The "Brother" says he is entirely willing to use any soap prescribed. The mayor and police of New Orleans have refused to take action against the old man, because they say most people are anxious to have him continue his "healing."

Since he began his ministrations about a month ago the multitude that daily attends his sermons has increased to the point where the Red Cross has been forced to erect tents to care for the sick who await his treatments.

The old man will accept no money whatever.

Dr. Oscar Dowling, president of the State Board of Health, made the protest that the "healer" did not wash his hands between "layings on."

"Brother Isaiah" immediately stated his willingness to use soap.

Two crippled boys gave the old man soap when the first attempt to check his meetings was made. They ran away when he tried to pay them.

--Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin, April 4, 1920, page 10 of Part 2.