Earlier text: TO PHYSICIANS AND MINISTERSTHE COLORADO CAMP-MEETING
The Denver meeting was held Aug. 17-27, 1905, in a beautiful park connected with Rocky Mountain Lake, in North Denver. A line of street-cars, running every few minutes, connected the grounds with all parts of the city, making it convenient for the people who wished to attend the meeting. There were one hundred and eighteen family tents pitched on the grounds, containing over five hundred people. The number living in the city who went back and forth to the meetings would, in all probability, swell the attendance of our own people to six hundred. This meeting was a remarkable one, because of the unusually wonderful manifestations of the Lord’s presence and power. At no time was there any excitement; but there was a steady and marked sinking out of self and into the Lord, as the principles from the Bible and the “Testimonies” were presented. I had dreaded to attend this meeting because I knew that there were many conflicting interests difficult of adjustment to be considered; and I feared that it would be almost impossible to harmonize those whose relations toward one another had become somewhat strained. The burden that rested heavily on my heart was a desire to help our brethren and sisters in Colorado to see that their strength lay in a united effort to free from indebtedness the Colorado Sanitarium of Boulder. I earnestly hoped that the minds and the energies of all might be centered on this one thing. I knew that the enemy had made many efforts to bring253 in disunion and that, as the result, some who ought to have been the most loyal supporters of the Colorado Sanitarium had chosen to give their influence to movements tending to frustrate the very objects for which this institution had been established. On reaching the Denver camp-ground, I found that my worst fears had been well grounded. To all human appearances, it seemed as if the sentiment against the continuance of the Colorado Sanitarium as a denominational institution was so strong that it would prevail. Plans for the establishment of rival institutions were already well under way. Shortly after my arrival on the camp-ground, there came to me testimonies from Sister E. G. White, dealing clearly with these perplexing problems and pointing out a way of escape. In these communications we were admonished that our duty was toward the Lord’s institution, the Colorado Sanitarium. This was to be the object of our moral and financial support. And until the indebtedness is paid on this institution, and the sanitariums at Washington and Nashville are built and equipped to do their work in an acceptable and creditable manner, the brethren were counseled not to build other sanitariums in Colorado, or engage in other local enterprises, aside from regular evangelical work, which would draw means from our people. In the providence of God, these testimonies came at just the right time to avert a terrible crisis. Upon receiving them, I felt as if I must make their presentation as personal as possible in order to win the loyalty of all to the Colorado Sanitarium. And so I read them first to the president of the conference. He listened very attentively and respectfully to the several communications; and the instruction made a very deep254 impression upon his mind, although it cut directly across some of his cherished plans. Hitherto he had been in favor of the sale of the Boulder Sanitarium. He had also been in sympathy with the proposed enterprise in Canon City, and his name was being used as one of the directors of that institution. However, he took a good stand and assured me that we could depend on him to throw his influence and support toward the enterprise indicated by the servant of the Lord, if the Colorado Sanitarium were placed upon the right basis. I assured him this would be done at the very earliest possible date. I then had an interview with one of the physicians associated with the Canon City enterprise, and after a season of prayer read the testimonies. I was pleased to hear him express a willingness to forego his plans, although such a course would be a very heavy blow to him financially and otherwise. I told him I was satisfied that if he would take the right position the Lord would provide for him. And arrangements were soon made by the conference to employ him again as one of their laborers. I next called together the entire conference committee, and talked with them on the general principles outlined in our plan for the sale of “Ministry of Healing” to benefit the sanitarium; and then I read the communications to them, and, later, read these same communications to all the workers of the conference. In this last council meeting, every laborer committed himself to the plan of freeing the Boulder institution from indebtedness. And, when the matter was brought before the whole body of people or the public congregation, there was not a dissenting voice. The noble stand that our brethren took on this quest255 ion brought peace to their souls, and a unity and harmony with one another and the various branches of the Lord’s work that bespeak better days and greater success in the work of the Colorado Conference. The report of the work of the Colorado Sanitarium, as rendered by Elder Wilcox and his associates, was encouraging. At the time of the encampment, four thousand dollars from the earnings of the institution had been applied this year on the indebtedness. All current bills were paid up to date, leaving nearly five hundred dollars in the bank, and the bills due from patients amounted to nine hundred dollars more. The patronage was larger than at any previous time in the history of the institution, and the spiritual interest among both helpers and patients was reported as being good. The plan of the Relief Bureau for the sale of the book, “Ministry of Healing,” met with hearty support. After the people listened to the communications regarding loyalty to the Colorado Sanitarium, they began at once to relieve the situation by subscribing for eight hundred copies of the book. Two hundred of these were taken by the sanitarium workers. The representatives present from the sanitarium took an excellent position on all questions that came before the conference. I believe that their attitude in this crisis will be an important factor in bringing together elements that hitherto have been sadly disunited. I left Denver feeling very hopeful regarding the situation in Colorado. Our people in Colorado have sought to improve a golden opportunity to unite the medical missionary work and the evangelical work as the Lord would have it united in every conference.
GEO. A. IRWIN. The infinite God knows no error. His wisdom is unsearchable, and His ways past finding out. But it is human to err, and only as man is guided constantly by the Spirit of wisdom can he be kept from making serious blunders. Sometimes these mistakes are the result of perversity and blindness of heart. Sometimes they are permitted of God to teach needed lessons. God does not lead to the making of mistakes; but in His infinite mercy He will overrule the mistakes to the good of His people, and in the end will bring to them blessings. That an error was made in investing so large an amount of means in the erection of the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium is apparent to all. How much better it would have been had a smaller sum been invested at the beginning, and the institution started on its career free from the incubus of a large interest-bearing debt. But what has been done can not be undone. The question to be considered at the present time is, What is the best way out of the difficulty? The easiest way out of the present situation would be to sell the institution, and return to the General Conference and other creditors the money that might be received, in payment of the original investment. And this way has received earnest advocacy from some during the past year. But though from one standpoint this might appear to be the easiest way out of the257 difficulties of debt, it would be the wrong way, and, in the end, the most difficult way. Especially is this true if the work the institution represents and the principles of truth it has maintained are to be carried forward by this people in the future. God’s people may make mistakes, and yet the Lord does not desert them. The mistakes of Israel of old were so great and so multiplied that they had to turn back into the wilderness after they had reached the border of Canaan. But God did not leave them. Every day he went before them in the cloud of His presence. And although a mistake was made in the beginning of the work of the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium, the Lord has nevertheless blessed the institution in its efforts to fulfil its mission. For years it has done excellent work in relieving the sick and suffering. It has brought a knowledge of right living to thousands. It has presented the principles of the Third Angel’s Message before hundreds who have been its guests. It has been a strong educating influence in training many young men and women for an active part in gospel work. For years, under difficulty and discouragement, under the heavy load of pressing debts and obligations, in spite of censure and criticism from enemies, and even from friends who did not understand its purpose or fully sympathize with its methods, it has battled on, and the Lord in mercy has bestowed upon it many signal blessings. Its experience has been a part of the experience of this message, and to sell the institution would be to repudiate this experience. And to sell the institution to those who have but little sympathy for the sacred principles which it represents would be to deny these principles. This surely can not258 be done. This method of relieving the embarrassment is not surely the method which heaven could approve. The testimonies of the Spirit plainly declare that although a great mistake occurred in the establishment of the work, the Lord in infinite mercy will overrule that mistake to the good of His people, if they will take hold of His strength, rely upon His promises, and work in His ways. They are not to shirk the responsibilities imposed, or refuse to bear the burden. Unitedly they are to put their shoulders to the wheel, and roll away the reproach of debt. But the message of instruction does not stop here. It not only points out that the sanitarium should be sustained in its work, that a united effort should be made to help it in the present crisis, but the manner in which this help is to be rendered is also definitely indicated. A way has been provided by which every Seventh-day Adventist may have a part. By a united effort, in which many will take part, devoting to the work a few days’ time, money may be obtained from the world with which to meet these obligations. THE BENEFITS OF THIS PLAN
What benefits may be derived from adopting this way for helping the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium? Among many, the following may be enumerated: 1. The sale of “Ministry of Healing” will give direct financial aid to the sanitarium, relieving it of a portion of its interest-bearing debt, and putting it in better condition to do the work for which it was designed. 2. The money thus obtained will not be drawn from a few thousands of Seventh-day Adventists, but will be secured from many people of all classes and beliefs. 3. The benefit to the sanitarium will not be alone in the money thus obtained. A large amount of information regarding the institution will be given to the world, which will result in very largely increasing its patronage. 4. The sale of the book will place before the people most precious principles of truth, principles which will bring blessing to many, opening the way for a further knowledge of the message for this time. 5. Those who go out to engage in the sale of “Ministry of Healing” will obtain a rich personal experience in missionary work. The book will sell readily, hence even those who have had no experience in canvassing can successfully enter upon this work. 6. In consequence of this united effort, there will be secured a spirit of unity which will serve to bind the hearts of the people of God together. As they labor unitedly for one object, differences will be forgotten and obliterated, and a preparation will be gained for that deeper spirit of consecration and unity which must characterize those who make up the one hundred and forty-four thousand. 7. There will come to every soul a great blessing in the consciousness that he is acting in harmony with his brethren in carrying out a God-given plan. This consciousness of right doing, this knowledge which every one may have that he is acting as God’s helper, that in the present crisis he stands as a faithful helper in the Lord’s work, will bring a richness of Christian experience that can not come in any other way. And so we trust that for the sake of the sanitarium branch of the cause of present truth, for the sake of those who need the precious principles of truth contained in the book that has been devoted to these principles, and for the sake of the blessed personal experience which every one who engages in this work will receive, every Seventh-day Adventist in the Colorado Conference and in adjoining conferences will unite in this effort. The demand of the hour is for faithful men and faithful women, who will answer the call of God just now. May God grant that none shall merit the curse of Meroz by showing a spirit of indifference or inactivity. Who will answer the call?
Francis M. Wilcox. WHAT THE SANITARIUM CAN DO
If anything has ever thrilled the hearts of the sanitarium workers through and through with a sense of God’s goodness, it has been the care which God has exercised over His work, as shown in the events of the past few months. At a time when it seemed that the sanitarium would be entirely turned aside from its special work, and that the principles for which it had so long contended would be sacrificed and brought to the dust, God interposed. The testimonies that have been given regarding the Colorado Sanitarium teach us as never before our utter dependence upon261 God, and how weak and helpless and utterly undone we would be without His protecting, guiding power. And it is with no spirit of glorying or self-righteousness that these testimonies relating to our work are received. If our conference brethren have made mistakes, the sanitarium and the sanitarium workers have likewise made mistakes. If the conference brethren have lacked the spirit of cooperation, the lack of the same spirit has been seen in the sanitarium work likewise. If the conference has misjudged and misunderstood, the sanitarium has likewise misjudged and misunderstood. Hence the sanitarium workers take the spirit of the admonition home to themselves. They realize that if they had been more faithful, more consecrated, and more solicitous for unity, greater unity might have prevailed in the work. And, as in the future they shall seek to be one with their brethren in a grand united effort, they desire to be one in a spirit of humility and of a new consecration to God. THE PAST VERSUS THE FUTURE
The past is gone. Let it be forever forgotten, with all its doubt and distrust, its coldness, and indifference. Let us remember that God is supreme, and that we are all children of one Father, members of one family. Let us remember that in our work we have one grand object, one united purpose,—the salvation of the souls of our fellows. Let us present a solid phalanx to the foe, and unitedly march forward, convinced that in the strength of God we may indeed possess the goodly land. The sanitarium management262 and family pledge themselves to new consecration to God and to a new spirit of united effort with their brethren. By every means in their power they will seek to strengthen the bonds of brotherly love that should unite the workers in the different lines of God’s cause. Not only has the good hand of our God been shown in the instruction that has come through the “Testimonies,” but it is further manifested in pointing a way out of the darkness of the past. This shows the great goodness of the heavenly Father. He does not point out mistakes in order to reproach His children. He only reveals the darkness in order that the light may be manifest. He reveals the wrong course we have pursued in order to show the bright and shining way of righteousness. And not only this, but God has wrought upon the hearts of the brethren of the Colorado Conference and of the adjoining conferences, uniting them in a grand effort for the sale of “Ministry of Healing,” the proceeds of the sale of which are to be devoted to the liquidation of the sanitarium debt. The stand that these brethren have taken regarding this matter shows their deep loyalty to the cause of God. Although some of these conferences have state institutions of their own, they recognize the fact that when the Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium was established, local state institutions were but little considered, and that it was the general design that the Colorado Sanitarium should263 be a district institution for the states between the Mississippi and the Rockies. The sanitarium will seek to cooperate heartily in this movement in every possible way; by the exercise of greater economy, if possible, than in the past in its expenditures; by restricting every want that is not an absolute necessity, until the General Conference obligation is met; and by heartily cooperating in the plan for the sale of “Ministry of Healing.” Every sanitarium worker who can be spared from the institution during the coming winter will engage in the sale of this book. That God may abundantly bless and prosper this general effort for the emancipation of the institution established in His providence, that it may meet the high purpose of God and the perfect standard of effective missionary work in connection with the closing message, we shall most devotedly pray and most earnestly labor.
HOWARD F. RAND, M. D.
FRANCIS M. WILCOX
KATE LINDSAY, M. D.
EDWARD T. RUSSELL
IDA S. HERR, M. D.
CHARLES L. BURLINGAME
JAMES G. WELLER.
Boulder-Colorado Sanitarium Board. The Colorado Conference can do much. Our Colorado people desire to do much. In the providence of God, we find established in the very midst of us one of the leading medical institutions of our denomination, an institution well equipped for the care and treatment of the sick, and a place where the Bible truths for these last days are being taught to a class of people whose attention perhaps could be called to them in no other way. While we appreciate every effort to relieve suffering humanity, and would say “God-speed” to every institution working with Christ for the healing of the sick, yet this institution stands unique in our midst as preeminently a Seventh-day Adventist institution, built by money furnished by the General Conference, and now under denominational control. Therefore, as a church, we stand directly responsible before the world, by the help of God, to make it a success, enabling it to carry out the purpose for which it was established,—the relief of the suffering and the teaching of the “present truth” to those whom the Lord shall send to sojourn under its influence. If we are true to this sacred truth, the Father will draw many sin-sick souls to this place to find within its consecrated walls His Son, the great Physician. Brethren and sisters, pray much for all of our physicians and nurses and helpers, that they may be strengthened to endure trials, and that the one supreme, consuming ambition of their lives day by day shall be to point others to the “Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world,” and to fill hearts with “that blessed hope” of His coming.265 God will hear the petitions of His united people, and look in tender mercy upon all our mistakes. And while we “pray without ceasing,” God calls us to loving service. He who admonishes us to “abound to every good work” (2 Cor. 9: 6-15) points out a most excellent work that we can do just now to set free the hands of our Colorado Sanitarium, and to bless the world. While this institution has been doing good work in spite of its burden of a heavy debt, nevertheless the time has now come when it is imperative that something be done to relieve it from so great a handicap and set it free to do a great work in its appointed and exceedingly important field. True, the patronage is increasing, so that the income is larger, but thus far the institution has been able to do but little more than pay the interest on its indebtedness. We, of Colorado, can do much by advertising the sanitarium and recommending the sick in our respective communities to patronize our conference institution whenever we think they can be healed there. There are many who can receive great help there, both physically and in the healing of the soul. The larger the patronage, the greater will be the financial ability of the institution to do its noble work. And now, that most excellent book, “Ministry of Healing” has been dedicated to the relief of our sanitariums. We all remember what the Lord helped us to do with “Christ’s Object Lessons” for the relief of our schools. We have not forgotten that over266 $200,000 was lifted from their burden of debt. And we know that what has been done for our schools can be done for our sanitariums. A united effort with “Ministry of Healing” will spread happiness in thousands of homes through mountain and plain, and at the same time roll in the dollars to the sanitarium and on to the General Conference to pay off the debt of the Colorado Sanitarium. THIS IS WHAT COLORADO CAN DO
In this good work there is complete cooperation between the sanitarium and the Colorado Conference. And other conferences in the Central Union, recognizing the position and work of the Boulder Sanitarium, are going to help us by generously dividing a per cent of the profit on the books they sell between their own state sanitariums and the Boulder institution. This is truly an evidence of the unity of the work and the brotherhood of this people, for which we praise God. Further, our general state canvassing agent, Brother A. G. Bodwell, is employed and paid jointly by the Colorado Conference and the Boulder Sanitarium to help us push this work through December and the winter months. Our interests being one, let us now as a united people demonstrate this. The holiday season is upon us. A wonderful opportunity is presented just now to place many copies of “Ministry of Healing” in the homes of the people of Colorado. Let our churches, companies, and scattered Sabbath-keepers send in their orders at once. Not a day should be lost. We should grasp this opportunity at the tide that will carry us on to complete success. Every book placed in the home, and read, will create a demand for more. It is one of the267 best books ever written by the author or issued from our presses. Its attractiveness and excellence are revealed on every page. Order of the secretary of the Colorado Tract Society, Mrs. Minnie MacGuire, 1112 South Eleventh Street, Denver, Colo. Brethren and sisters, let us all arise as one man and do what we can. Let us begin now and keep the effort up until the good counsels for health and happiness that are found in “Ministry of Healing” are scattered all over the land in the homes of suffering and discouraged humanity. Healing and blessing and life will thus be brought to thousands. Then also by the release of General Conference funds the foreign mission work will go more rapidly; and the debt on our sanitarium will melt away. This is what we can do, and I am sure this people will be delighted to do it. We should truly thank God for such an opportunity of doing a threefold good.
H. M. J. RICHARDS. The very thought of united action suggests power and victory. The success of any large undertaking by a number of people calls for unity of action. In the great plan of redemption, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all working in agreement. These three could have carried the work on to its close without the help of other agents, but that was not the plan. The angels also were brought in as partners in the rescuing268 work. Not one of the loyal angels was left out; all had a part to act. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” And God has something for us to do. Men as well as angels are called to take a part. “We are laborers together with God.” Thus there is but one plan, and that plan is for all to labor together. Christ could not save man without man’s cooperation. He has ordained that man, together with Him, shall labor for the salvation of his fellow man. If this great undertaking to free the Colorado Sanitarium from its debt is quickly accomplished, it will be because those in the Colorado Conference who love God and His work in the earth will all go into the field to do and to dare for Him. Not only the ministers of the conference, but all the lay members should take a part. The plan of salvation brought great weariness of body and mind, yes, and even death, to God’s dear Son; any plan that we may take, if carried out, will bring weariness of body and mind to the workers. Eternal life will be the reward of the faithful. But if I sit idly by and see my brother do my part of the work, I shall lose that reward. Then the plan is for me to work, and for you, dear brother, dear sister, to work. Yes, the plan is for all to do their part as those who wait for their Lord.
G. F. WATSON. THE COLORADO SANITARIUM AND THE BOOK, “MINISTRY OF HEALING”
Sister White’s new book, “Ministry of Healing,” has been generously donated by the author for the benefit of our denominational medical missionary work. It is designed through the sale of this book to assist in establishing our medical missionary work in new fields, and also to liquidate the indebtedness which now rests upon many of our sanitariums. At the late General Conference a committee was appointed to lay plans for the sale of the book. The recommendations of the committee were placed by Elder G. A. Irwin before the different state conference committees in the Central Union Conference, and the following arrangements were entered into by them as follows: Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico will pay seventy-five cents per copy from the sale of the book to the Colorado Sanitarium, Missouri twenty-five cents per copy, and Kansas twenty-five per cent. Other states have also expressed a willingness to help the institution. For many years the Colorado Sanitarium has been struggling under heavy indebtedness. Those having charge of our work have tried to practise economy in the management of its affairs. This has seemed necessary on account of the obligations resting upon the institution. On account of this many times they have failed to supply themselves with such facilities as its work and patronage has demanded. Any one not connected with the institution can not fully realize the anxiety and burdens that have at times weighed heavily upon the board of management. In times of special270 need they have earnestly appealed to God for help, and many times He has graciously heard their cry and has given them the assurance of His care for them and His approval of the work in which they are engaged. The employees have ofttimes manifested a spirit of self-sacrifice in behalf of the institution and the cause of God, and have given liberally of their means for the support of different missionary enterprises. The Colorado Sanitarium has trained and sent out during its existence a large number of efficient and self-sacrificing workers. This may be accounted for from the fact that they have as instructors those whose hearts are aglow with love for the principles which they are laboring to inculcate. Elder Wilcox, as chaplain and Bible instructor, takes great pains to place before both patients and helpers all lines of truth connected with the message which Seventh-day Adventists are carrying to the world. As the result, several have been converted to the Advent message, and the workers have a desire to be true medical missionaries. IMPORTANCE OF THE INSTITUTION
The Colorado Sanitarium is the third largest sanitarium founded by our people. So far as location is concerned it has many natural advantages, such as delightful mountain and landscape scenery, pure water, and an invigorating and salubrious climate. Being centrally located, it is well adapted for a training-school for medical workers, as it is easily accessible to our young people from different parts of the country. All things considered, the Colorado Sanitarium is one of the most important of our denominational institutions. It has many friends among those who have been its271 guests, as many have received through its treatments and climatic advantages a new lease on life. The work they are now doing for mankind is claiming the attention of a larger number of people from year to year, and thus it is receiving an increased patronage. YOUR ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED
Shall we not do all we can to assist that needy institution which is doing a grand work? In assisting the sanitarium we will also be helping the general work, as the General Conference Association holds a note of $45,000 against the institution, so in selling the book and turning all or part of the profits to the sanitarium we are really paying ourselves, as we are a part of the General Conference. If our people will take hold with a hearty good will and place the book, “Ministry of Healing,” in the homes of the people and let a liberal per cent from the sale of the same be turned to the liquidation of the indebtedness of the institution, they will thus be assisting in placing it on vantage ground. This is as God would have it to be. He would have the book with the precious truths which it contains, placed in the hands of the people, and He would also have the institution relieved from embarrassment that it may be unhampered by indebtedness. This movement demands action on our part. Brethren, let us take hold of the sale of “Ministry of Healing” in earnest, and as soon as possible place thousands of copies of the book in the hands of the people. This should be done that the people may have the benefit of the precious truths which it contains. It is one of the best books that the author has written, and occupies a field that no other book does that is published by our272 people. Shall we not respond and assist in the sale of the book which has kindly been donated by the author for this work. I long to see a mighty movement inaugurated in the sale of “Ministry of Healing,” which will bring relief to this and kindred institutions. The call of the hour is for men and women to consecrate themselves for service in carrying forward this good work. Shall we not earnestly take hold of this work, and take hold of it now?
E. T. RUSSELL,
President Central Union Conference. The object and aim of the book, “Ministry of Healing,” is to present comfort and hope to the sick and suffering, and encouragement and counsel to friends, nurses, and physicians who are engaged in the blessed work of ministering to the afflicted ones. The book is made up of eight distinct departments, each carrying a message of cheer and instruction. The first department is a picture of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ as “The True Medical Missionary.” The first chapter shows that in His work of healing and teaching, He was “our Example.” He “came to this world as the unwearied servant of our necessities.”273 “His compassion knew no limits.” “Wherever there were hearts ready to receive His message, He comforted them with the assurance of their heavenly Father’s love.” “Day by day He met trials and temptations; day by day He was brought into contact with evil, and witnessed its power upon those whom He was seeking to bless and to save. Yet He did not fail or become discouraged.” “In all things He brought His wishes into strict abeyance to His mission. He glorified His life by making everything in it subordinate to the will of His Father.” “Christ came to this world to show that by receiving power from on high man can live an unsullied life. With unwearying patience and sympathetic helpfulness He met men in their necessities. By the gentle touch of grace, He banished from the soul unrest and doubt, changing enmity to love, and unbelief to confidence.” In the second chapter His “Days of Ministry” are so described as to encourage the invalid to have hope that his maladies may be cured by the same Jesus who touched the hand of Peter’s wife’s mother and cured her of “a great fever;” who by a word or a touch of the hand “opened the blind eyes to behold the light of day.” “His voice reached the ears of the dying, and they arose in health and vigor. Paralyzed demoniacs obeyed His word, their madness left them, and they worshiped Him.” When “mothers with their sick and dying little ones in their arms” come to Him, Christ takes the little ones in His arms, and disease flees at His touch. Thus the work of Christ is so related as to bring hope to every heart. The third chapter describes the life of the Saviour274 in communion with nature and with God. In this communion He revealed for us the secret of a life of power. In chapter four—“The Touch of Faith”—additional lessons of encouragement are given in the story of the healing of the timid woman who silently touched the hem of His garment; the healing of the nobleman’s servant miles away; and His compassion on the leper. In chapter five the power of Christ for the “Healing of the Soul” is illustrated in the story of the paralytic, the healing of the impotent man at the Pool of Bethesda, and the healing of the man in the synagogue. And in chapter six—“Saved to Serve”—the story of the demoniacs of Gadara is related, showing that they, when freed from the demons, gave themselves obediently to carrying the good news of the power of Christ to save men from the bondage of Satan, to their fellow men. This one section of ninety-four pages contains treasures of truth invaluable. To make the lessons impressive, the wonderful narrative is illustrated by forty-four beautiful engravings by Mr. Warren S. Davis, of New York. Many a reader has felt that this section alone is worth many times more than the price of the whole book. Section two presents briefly, in two strong chapters, the privilege of the physician to be a coworker with Christ, relieving both the physical and the spiritual needs of his fellow men; teaching that sin is the cause of disease, and that restoration comes through obedience to the laws of God. Section three—“Medical Missionaries and Their Work”—presents, in a clear, strong light the work that275 lies before the men and women of all lands, of all ages, of all ranks and degrees of ability, to help their fellow men. This is presented in six chapters, under these headings: Teaching and Healing.
Helping the Tempted.
Working for the Intemperate.
Help for the Unemployed and the Homeless.
The Helpless Poor.
Ministry to the Rich.
Those who have devoted themselves to unselfish effort to help the poor, the sick, the ignorant, or the degraded, will find precious instruction and encouragement in the eighty pages of this section. “The Care of the Sick” is the subject of section four. In five chapters, covering fifty-two pages, the fundamental principles of successful nursing are briefly considered. Technical questions and matters of detail are not dwelt upon, as these are to be found in nurses’ manuals. The names of the five chapters are:
In the Sick-Room.
Prayer for the Sick.
The Use of Remedies.
Mind-Cure.
In Contact with Nature.
The fifth section treats of “Health Principles,” in eight chapters, as follows: General Hygiene.
Hygiene Among the Israelites.
Dress.
Diet and Health.
Flesh as Food.276 Extremes in Diet.
Stimulants and Narcotics.
The Liquor Traffic and Prohibition.
The seventy-eight pages of this section are full of practical instruction on the subject of how to live for happiness and health. “The Home” is the name of a section for mothers and fathers. Its sixty pages are filled with precious thoughts regarding the proper care and correct training of children. It shows that home influences are most potent, and that true education is a missionary training. Section seven—“The Essential Knowledge”—is calculated to establish and strengthen faith in God as our loving heavenly Father, and turn back the floods of skepticism that are filling the church and flooding the world. Its five chapters deal with the following weighty subjects: A True Knowledge of God.
Danger in Speculative Knowledge.
The False and the True in Education.
Importance of Seeking True Knowledge.
The Knowledge Received Through God’s Word.
Section eight—“The Worker’s Need”—is a heart-to-heart talk with Christian workers about the seriousness of their mission; their need of divine help and guidance; and the riches of the provision made for them; that they may have the light and power of heaven for their daily work, through the love of God, the atonement of Christ, and the constant ministry of the holy spirit. There is nothing monotonous about this book. Fresh truths, principles, and precepts are presented277 on every page. The language is simple and forceful. Each section shows that the author has had a deep experience in Christian service. She speaks as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Its most precious thoughts have been brightened and illuminated by talented artists, among whom we should mention Mr. W. A. Reaser, who has been the art director for the author’s most popular works; Mr. Charles Mente, of Congers, N. Y.; and Mr. W. P. Davis, of New York City. The motto designs on scrolls, shields, and leaves were drawn by Mr. Pedro Lemos, of San Francisco. Altogether this book presents hope to the invalid; cheer and encouragement to physicians, helpers, and nurses; instruction to the family and the church; counsel to parents; warning and guidance to the student; and strength and assurance to the laborer for Christ.