We present herewith a view of the Atlanta Sanitarium as it now appears, since recent improvements have been made. The picture speaks for the attractiveness of the building. It is located on a good corner, in a pleasant part of the city, and is a credit to our work in that place.
There is something of special interest, however, concerning the recent improvements, that should be noted. The manager, R. T. Dowsett, writes: “I am glad to tell you that we have made this change in the sanitarium, have had the whole building repainted, and have paid for the same from the income of the sanitarium. We have also been able to wipe out some of the indebtedness.”
Such a report as this is good news, and the friends of the Atlanta Sanitarium will be glad for this evidence of its progress. The building is the one that was at one time used as a branch office of the Review and Herald Publishing Association, and was donated by that association to the Southern Union Conference. With some alterations, it was made suitable for sanitarium use. For some time it was leased to Dr. C. F. Curtis, who had been engaged for a number of years in medical missionary work in the city. After further improvements and refurbishing, the institution was operated as a conference enterprise.
These last finishing touches put this institution in good condition for its work. It has enjoyed quite a good patronage for some time, and is building up a constituency that means permanent success. With a good building, pleasant surroundings, fair equipment, and an excellent family of conscientious and competent workers, the Atlanta Sanitarium bids fair to succeed.
The superintendent, Dr. J. H. Neall, has had a long experience in successful medical practise.
To be able to make improvements and to meet indebtedness from the earnings of an institution, requires careful management, and the fullest co-operation of the entire family in the exercise of the principles of true economy. Diligence in business and fervency in spiritual zeal will bring good results, and are essential to the blessing of God, without which no institution need expect to succeed.
L. A. H.
Our Sanitariums
By D. H. K.
No one who has been connected with the work of the third angel's message for any length of time can doubt that our sanitariums have exerted an influence which has been helpful in breaking down prejudice, and in making friends with a superior class of people. Ministering to the sick is a work that always commends itself to honest men and women. How much we owe to these institutions for the many openings we now have in home and foreign fields, we may not be able to estimate, but we do know that the work they have done bears the divine credentials.
ATLANTA (GA.) SANITARIUM
To the question from the messengers sent by John, “Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Jesus replied, “Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.” What Jesus did, furnished the only reliable and convincing evidence that he was the Son of God. So to-day this same personal ministry to the afflicted will carry conviction wherever the third angel's message is proclaimed with power.
The impression made upon patients may be best illustrated by citing a few incidents:— While in England, a gentleman of means, after visiting the United States in search of health, was advised by his friends to call at my office for an examination and advice. We were just opening our medical work, and in the absence of office equipment, I examined him on the floor, on my knees. After the examination, I gave him the best advice I could, and he went away, soon afterward leaving for his home in Australia. At that time I had not dreamed of going to Australia myself, but two years later found me on my way to that field. After my arrival, this man's friends in England notified him of the fact. He at once looked up our sanitarium, came for treatment, and was so impressed with what he saw and heard that he was led to investigate the truth, and later he began the observance of the Sabbath. One of the hardest tasks before him was to tell his foreman and employees of the change in his religious views. He hardly knew how to proceed. On the arrival of his train at his home station, he stepped on the platform, shook hands with his foreman, and said: “I wish to tell you I have begun to keep the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath.” To his surprise, the foreman replied, “Well, you are right. I have for some time been convinced that Saturday is the right day to keep.” The Lord gave him favor with all his employees. Sometime later one of our ministers was called upon to baptize seventeen souls as a result, directly and indirectly, of this man's godly influence.
Later a young man who was very much emaciated came for treatment. He improved in health, and was so favorably impressed with the spiritual atmosphere of the sanitarium that he, too, decided to keep the Sabbath, and unite his lot with us. His mother, an estimable woman of considerable means, had heard unfavorable reports about Seventh-day Adventists, and was naturally greatly exercised about her son. She said to me, while visiting in Melbourne (her home city),18“I fear my son has not studied into your doctrines sufficiently, but has been influenced by the lives of those who minister to him.” I advised her to visit him at the sanitarium, and ascertain if such was the case. She came shortly after this, and brought her daughter with her. Together the three studied the Bible, with the result that her daughter also determined to keep the Sabbath. The mother, more perplexed than ever, hardly knew what to do; but being an honest searcher after truth herself, she was later led to see the importance of this message, and threw her all into the work. Her daughter afterward took the nurses' course, and later was sent as a missionary to Singapore. She was one of the most noble Christian young women we had the privilege of training while in Australia. The mother and son have done much active missionary work, and have greatly assisted the cause with their means and influence.
Recently the General Conference office received a donation of one thousand dollars from a sister who was brought into the truth at the Sydney Sanitarium. A man and his wife who have already donated several thousand dollars were also brought into the truth through sanitarium work. These people with their means were needed at a time when the work went hard, and great things were undertaken in Australia. As we look back, we can see how marvelously the Lord wrought in all this.
During our stay in Australia, we were able to count thirty-three souls that had accepted the truth directly through the sanitarium work, not counting those who have been brought into the truth through the individual effort of these converts. Other cases might be cited, equally as interesting as the ones already mentioned; but my purpose is merely to give a glimpse of what our sanitariums have done in the past, and what we expect them to do in the future under God's special blessing. When the great ingathering takes place, we shall find many who received their first impressions of the truth at one of our sanitariums.
D. H. K.
Pennsylvania
By T. H. Branch
PHILADELPHIA.—The work for the colored people is making progress, and great interest is manifested. We are of good courage in the Lord. All mail should be addressed to 1700 Woodstock St., Philadelphia, Pa. A mission has been established at the above address, at which place meetings are being held. T. H. BRANCH.
Medical Missionary Department
Conducted by the Medical Department of the General Conference
D. H. KRESS, M. D. - - - - Secretary
L. A. HANSEN - - - - Assistant Secretary
The Value of Prohibition
THE fact that crime is not entirely prevented under prohibitory laws, is by no means an argument against the value of prohibition. The Christian Advocate of December 8 comments as follows upon this point:—
“For the year ending June 30, this nation had consumed 30,000,000 gallons of distilled spirits in excess of the 163,000,000 gallons drunk in 1909. It also drank 3,000,000 barrels of fermented beverages more than the 59,485,117 barrels drunk the year before. It also smoked 160,000,000 more cigars, and a solid billion more cigarettes. From these figures some conclude that ‘in a country full of State and local prohibitory ordinances, prohibition does not make the people more abstinent.’ That is by no means a certain conclusion. If there were no State prohibition or local prohibition, there is a high probability that the figures given would have been greatly increased. The dismal groanings of the distillers, the brewers, the wholesalers and retailers, that the trade in liquors (including beer) in many States, counties, and towns has been greatly lessened; and the diminished populations of jails, State prisons, and almshouses, witness to the diminished sale and drinking of rum and intoxicating beer.”
Sanitarium Relief Campaign
By L. A. Hansen
Progress of the Campaign
FROM an article in the North Pacific Union Gleaner we note that plans are in operation for the union college students to do their share in the relief campaign. How appropriate it is that those connected with the institutions receiving help in our former campaign should now aid in giving relief to sister institutions that are in need. The following interesting article, written by a student, is encouraging:—
“Ministry of Healing,” and the Walla Walla College Students
“Definite plans have been laid for the work with ‘Ministry of Healing’ by the students, and arrangements have been made by which the conference to which the student belongs shall be credited with the number of books sold by him. The city of Walla Walla has again been divided among the missionary societies of the Walla Walla church, the College Place church, and the missionary volunteers of the college. Several of the students have already sold more than their quota of books. The testimony of all is that the book is received eagerly by the people.
“Last Monday the writer and another student had the privilege of working with ‘Ministry of Healing.’ It was after three o’clock when we reached our territory. We found the people very friendly. The first lady we met was the wife of the owner of one of the largest nurseries between Walla Walla and Milton. She kindly received us into the house; and before we finished the explanation of the nature of our work, we found that she was interested not only in the book, but also in the work which our sanitariums are doing for the sick. After we closed the short canvass, without a minute’s hesitation she handed us the price of the book. She was anxious to take the prospectus we had. We were pleased to place this truth-filled volume in this home, but we had to borrow her book, in order to work the rest of the afternoon.
“Just across the street from this place we found a man and his wife who have an interest in a poultry business. Though we had little hope of taking an order, we gave a short canvass; and when we told them how we carry on medical missionary work, their eyes began to sparkle, the old man saying, ‘If my subscription helps this worthy cause, I will surely take one,’ and he handed us the price of the book. We told him that the book we had was not ours, and we had no other. But he was willing to pay us. Though we were strangers, he was willing to trust us because we were Adventists.
“After spending a few minutes in this little village, we started for the college home. We were in the field less than an hour, but the time we spent was a real blessing to our souls. There is joy and peace in working for the Master. While we are busy with our studies in the school, I am thankful for this opportunity of doing practical missionary work. Only a few hours’ work by our people will accomplish results that will be as far-reaching as eternity.
“During the last three summers, I have had the privilege of placing several kinds of our books in the homes of the people; but I find that ‘Ministry of Healing’ is one of the best and easiest sellers, appealing to all classes and creeds, high and low, young and old. Brethren and sisters, let us all keep this book to the front, and we shall receive the blessing.”
Why should not the students in our other schools take a suggestion from the above? The blessings and privileges here presented are not confined to places or to individuals.
A Good Report
The same paper gives another report that will be helpful to some who may be hesitating. Brother J. Akerstedt, of Svensen, Ore., writes: “I thought I would send you a few lines, and tell my experience in soliciting orders for ‘Ministry of Healing.’ When this campaign was first brought to my attention, I thought it would be up-hill work to dispose of any copies of those books in the neighborhood of Svensen, as I have canvassed it over and over with our books and papers. However, believing that the Lord is ‘able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,’ I went one day to visit my neighbors in behalf of this sanitarium work, and I am glad to say I was agreeably surprised to take twelve orders in ten hours. May the Lord help us to respond willingly to every call.”
News Sheet Special
The North Michigan Conference has issued a special number of its News Sheet, devoted entirely to the interests of the “Ministry of Healing” campaign. The conference president, Elder J. J. Irwin, leads with an article, “A Call to Service,” saying: “Every loyal Seventh-day Adventist is anxious to have the truth go to his neighbors, and longs to see them accepting the message that will save them in the kingdom of God. This issue of the paper will tell of one means by which we can help those around us. I refer now directly to the ‘Ministry of Healing’ campaign. It has been the experience of nearly every one who has worked with this book that it breaks down prejudice, and prepares the way for the gospel worker as well as anything19that we can use. Many thousands of these books are being printed; but it will not help your neighbor if these books lie on the shelves in the office. The only way this book can be of benefit to the people about you is for them to obtain it and read it. They do not know how good the book is, and, in fact, very few of them know that such a book is published. If you could take one of these books to your neighbor, it might be the means of placing his feet on the platform of truth, and of his being saved in the kingdom of God.”
Other good articles by various conference laborers are given, together with a number of short extracts from “Ministry of Healing.” The paper will be sent to all members in the conference. It will surely be productive of good in arousing an interest in the campaign. North Michigan has no sanitarium of its own, but realizes the importance of this movement as a missionary feature, and as a call to help bear the burdens of others. Blessing will come to it from such an attitude. L. A. HANSEN.
Sanitarium Work in South America
WE are pleased to learn that God is greatly blessing the work of Dr. R. H. Habenicht, of South America. Dr. G. B. Replogle, his associate, who is located at Diamante, E. R., Argentina, South America, writes: “The work on the sanitarium goes forward. The patronage keeps up to high-water mark. We have from three to six patients in a room, and sometimes have to say that we can take no more. The new wing is pushing ahead rapidly, and the wall is now up to the first floor. This part will have a basement, in which will be the boilers, engines, dynamo, and the laundry. The first and second floors will have the men's and women's bath-rooms. This will give us eight additional rooms for patients.”
A Splendid Record
By A. J. S. B.
Our English magazine Good Health is meeting with a very gratifying reception throughout Great Britain. A letter just received from Elder W. J. Fitzgerald, president of the British Union Conference, contains the following interesting notes of progress:—
“We have just printed 100,000 copies of the holiday number of the Good Health journal. All these have been ordered, and had we printed 25,000 more, we could easily have disposed of them. We shall hope to satisfy those who have sent in additional orders for the Good Health by giving them a good number of the Present Truth for the holiday period.”
This holiday number of Good Health is before us as we write. It has an artistic three-color cover design, contains thirty-six pages including the cover, and sells for one penny, or two cents a copy. The nearest approach to this record was the sale of 79,400 copies of our American health journal, Life and Health, during the month of July, 1909. We extend hearty congratulations to our fellow workers in Great Britain. A. J. S. B.
Suggestive Program for Fourth Sabbath Home Missionary Service
(To Be Held Jan. 28, 1911)
OPENING SONG: “Bring Them In.” “Christ in Song,” No. 561.
SECOND SONG: “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go.” “Christ in Song,” No. 566 (old edition, No. 390).
READING: “A Passion for Souls.”
SYMPOSIUM: “What Is My Duty?—a Study of the Talents.” See Note 1.
CONSECRATION SERVICE. Ten minutes filled with pointed half-minute testimonies based upon reading and symposium.
A TALK: “Our Immediate Field,” by the elder or missionary leader. A study of population, territory, number of workers, organization of missionary society, and best methods of accomplishing the work. See Note 2.
A TALK: “How We Are Working This Field,” by the missionary secretary (librarian). Proportion of territory worked, unfinished work, reasons for encouragement, etc. See Note 3.
SYMPOSIUM: “The Tract League: Some Interesting Experiences.” Let the Missionary Volunteers and children join in reading these experiences. See Note 3.
MONTHLY REPORT OF CHURCH WORK: Including statistics received from missionary volunteers and junior society; reading of interesting letters; verbal reports of home workers who have been selling magazines or small books, securing religious liberty signatures, doing Christian Help work, distributing tracts, visiting hospitals, etc.
PASSING OF REPORT BLANKS: Encourage the doing and reporting of at least a few items of work suited to the talents of the members.
FOURTH-SABBATH COLLECTION for church missionary society. Individual report blanks may be dropped into the basket with collection.
PRAYER over collection and reports.
PLANS FOR WORK: Aggressive work with tracts; missionary periodicals, and home workers for forty-per-cent books. The sale of two copies of “Ministry of Healing,” and five of Life and Health for each member each year for three years, for the relief of our sanitariums. Read suggestive list of good books on home missionary work. See Note 4.
CLOSING SONG: “Master, Hast Thou Work for Me?” “Christ in Song,” No. 571 (old edition, No. 385).
BENEDICTION.
A Passion for Souls
By Ellen G. White
The Christian's Greatest Need
(First Reading)
AMONG professing Christians of today there is a fearful lack of the sympathy that should be felt for souls unsaved. Unless our hearts beat in unison with the heart of Christ, how can we understand the sacredness and importance of the work to which we are called by the words, “Watch for . . . souls, as they that must give account”? We talk of Christian missions. The sound of our voices is heard; but do we feel Christ's tender heart-longing for souls?
We are on the very verge of the time of trouble, and perplexities that are scarcely dreamed of are before us. A power from beneath is leading men to war against Heaven. Human beings have confederated with satanic agencies to make void the law of God. The inhabitants of the world are fast becoming as the inhabitants of the world in Noah's day, who were swept away by the flood, and as the inhabitants of Sodom, who were consumed by fire from heaven.
The powers of Satan are at work to keep minds diverted from eternal realities. The enemy has arranged matters to suit his own purposes. Worldly business, sports, the fashions of the day,—20these things occupy the minds of men and women. Amusements and unprofitable reading spoil the judgment. In the broad road that leads to eternal ruin there walks a long procession. The world, filled with violence, reveling, and drunkenness, is converting the church. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect.
A New Life From Above
At this time—a time of overwhelming iniquity—a new life, coming from the Source of all life, is to take possession of those who have the love of God in their hearts, and they are to go forth to proclaim with power the message of a crucified and risen Saviour. They are to put forth earnest, untiring efforts to save souls. Their example is to be such that it will have a telling influence for good on those around them. They are to count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus.
Intense Earnestness Needed
Intense earnestness should now take possession of us. Our slumbering energies should be aroused to untiring effort. Consecrated workers should go forth into the field, clearing the King's highway, and gaining victories in new places. My brother, my sister, is it nothing to you to know that every day souls are going down into the grave, unwarned and unsaved, ignorant of their need of eternal life and of the atonement made for them by the Saviour? Is it nothing to you that soon the world is to meet Jehovah over his broken law? Heavenly angels marvel that those who for so many years have had the light, have not carried the torch of truth into earth's dark places.
Why are we not more in earnest? Why are so large a number idle? Why are not all who profess to love God seeking to enlighten their neighbors and their associates, that they may no longer neglect so great salvation? The Saviour was an untiring worker. He did not measure his work by hours. His time, his heart, his strength, were given to labor for the benefit of humanity. Entire days were devoted to labor, and entire nights were spent in prayer, that he might be ready to meet the wily foe.
Heart Missionaries Wanted
It is heart missionaries that are needed. Spasmodic efforts will do little good. We must arrest the attention. We must be deeply in earnest. The man who loves God does not measure his work by the eight-hour system. He works at all hours, and is never off duty. As he has opportunity, he does good. Everywhere, at all times and in all places, he finds opportunities to work for God. He carries fragrance with him wherever he goes. A wholesome atmosphere surrounds his soul. The beauty of his well-ordered life and godly conversation inspires in others faith and hope and courage.
When the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested. Divine power will be revealed. The church will see the providential working of the Lord of hosts. The light of truth will shine forth in clear, strong rays, and, as in the time of the apostles, many souls will turn from error to truth. The earth will be lighted with the glory of the Lord.
Heavenly angels have long been waiting for human agents—the members of the church—to co-operate with them in the great work to be done. They are waiting for you. So vast is the field, so comprehensive the design, that every sanctified heart will be pressed into service as an instrument of divine power.
Let church-members bear in mind that the fact that their names are registered on the church-books will not save them. They must show themselves approved of God, workmen that need not to be ashamed. Work, O work, keeping eternity in view! Bear in mind that every power must be sanctified. A great work is to be done. Let the prayer go forth from unfeigned lips, “God be merciful unto us; . . . that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.” Ps. 67: 1, 2.
MRS. E. G. WHITE.
The Missionary and Publishing Work
Notes, Plans, Reports, Statistics, and Other Information Regarding Missionary Endeavor and the Circulation of Gospel Literature
Conducted by the Missionary and Publishing Department of the General Conference
E. R. PALMER . . . . . Secretary
N. Z. TOWN . . . . . Assistant Secretary
A. J. S. BOURDEAU . . . . . Missionary Secretary
Ready
READY to go, ready to wait,
Ready a gap to fill;
Ready for service small or great,
Ready to do his will.
Ready to suffer grief or pain,
Ready to stand the test;
Ready to stay at home and send
Others, if he sees best.
Ready to do, ready to bear,
Ready to watch and pray;
Ready to stand aside and give,
Till he shall clear the way.
Ready to speak, ready to think,
Ready with heart and brain;
Ready to start when he sees fit,
Ready to share the strain.
—Selected.
Missionary Work Among the Foreigners
By A. J. S. B.
At the recent Bookmen’s Convention held in this place, one of the field agents reported that the canvassers in his conference had set aside one day each week to visit the foreigners in the interests of our literature. By making up ten-cent and twenty-five-cent packages of tracts and pamphlets, some of the agents were able to dispose of as many as eight dollars’ worth in one day. These foreigners are eager to secure tracts and other cheap publications in their mother tongue. Those living near foreign settlements would do well to supply themselves with our excellent tracts, pamphlets, and small books issued in the various languages. Ask your conference tract society to send you the complete catalogue of foreign publications which has been issued by the New York branch of the Review and Herald. It is free for the asking.
A. J. S. B.
The Leaders Lead
By A. J. S. B.
SPEAKING of the reorganization of the conference missionary work in the Western Washington Conference, Elder S. W. Nellis, the president, writes encouragingly as follows:—
“I am much pleased with the copies of Home Missionary Leaflet, No. 3. These are just the leaflets we need for our winter’s work, as we are sending all our ministers and conference laborers into the fields to lead our church-members to do active missionary work in their neighborhoods.”
Great things may be confidently expected from a conference in which the ministers, laborers, and missionary leaders all unite in sharing the responsibility of teaching and leading the lay members in missionary endeavors.
“For that the leaders took the lead in Israel, for that the people offered themselves willingly, bless ye Jehovah. . . . My heart is toward the governors in Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people.” Judges 5: 2-9, A. R. V.
“Thy people offer themselves willingly in the day of thy power, in holy array.” Ps. 110: 3, A. R. V. A. J. S. B.
